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Linda Uchi engaging women during a Community-Led Initiative dialogue in Kilifi County. In many communities, the realities of Gender-Based Violence and the risks of Violent Extremism are often hidden beneath layers of silence, stigma, and fear. Through the Mwanamke Imara initiative, Linda Uchi, one of the Mwanamke Imara Kilifi Cohort is challenging this silence by creating safe spaces for dialogue, learning, and collective action. With support from the High Commission of Canad

In many communities across Kilifi County, one phrase is often heard whenever difficult questions are asked: “Simanya”, “I don’t know.” At face value, the phrase may appear harmless. But over time, “Simanya” has evolved into more than just a response. It has become a social coping mechanism, a culture of silence, fear, avoidance, and withdrawal from accountability. Today, this growing “Simanya Syndrome” continues to affect community safety, justice systems, and peacebuilding e

On 29th April 2026, a powerful mentorship reflection session was held in Kilifi County under the Mwanamke Imara Mentorship Program, bringing together women from the security and justice sectors to reflect on their leadership journeys and growing role in preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE). The session, part of the Mwanamke Imara project, convened 31 participants, including mentors, mentees, and representatives from partner organizations and the donor community.

Today, the launch of the updated IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE) Strategic Plan marked a defining moment for regional peace and security efforts, bringing together governments, civil society, practitioners and partners committed to strengthening prevention approaches across the Horn and Eastern Africa. Among the actors present at this important milestone was Youth and Women for Peace and Sustainable Development (YOWPSUD), wh

A Youth-Led Initiative Supported by Swahilipot Hub and YOWPSUD through the Youth Network Hub Background With support from Swahilipot Hub and YOWPSUD, under the Youth Network Hub, a civic education and peacebuilding mentorship initiative was conducted targeting young people in Likoni and Majengo, Mombasa County. The initiative was designed to strengthen youth participation in governance, peacebuilding and security processes, while addressing social and economic vulnerabilities

Men drawn from the security sector, justice institutions and civil society organizations recently convened under the Mwanamke Imara Project for a gender sensitivity and human rights training aimed at unpacking barriers that continue to hinder women’s participation and leadership in PCVE. The training created a reflective and honest space for dialogue on gender equality, gender equity and the role men can play as allies in advancing inclusive leadership. At the heart of the di

The IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE) will officially launch the Revised IGAD Regional Strategy for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism on April 29, 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening regional cooperation to address evolving threats of violent extremism across the IGAD region. The revised strategy reflects a renewed commitment to prevention, resilience, human security, and inclusive approaches that place

HE. MR. MUINDE S. MUTISYA - DCC KILIFI COUNTY (Opening Speech during Gender Sensitivity Training) The Gender Sensitivity Training for security actors, justice sector representatives and civil society organizations in Kilifi County opened with a strong call to action from Mr. Mutisya Muinde, the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) of Kilifi County, who challenged stakeholders to address the root causes fueling Gender-Based ViolencE and Violent Extremism. In his opening remarks, M

Women leaders from security and justice institutions in Kilifi County recently convened for a one-day, in-person training on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, with a strong focus on wellbeing and parenting as critical pillars of prevention. Delivered by mentors under the Mwanamke Imara program, the session emphasized that effective security begins at the household level, where trust, emotional stability, and guidance shape the resilience of families and communities

In Kwale County, male security and justice actors came together under the Mwanamke Imara Program for a critical Gender Sensitivity Training aimed at strengthening human rights principles and deepening understanding of Gender-Based Violence. The session created a rare but necessary space for reflection, dialogue, and accountability among those who sit at the frontline of justice and community protection. At the heart of the training was a powerful realization: GBV is not only

Mwanamke Imara Kwale Mentors Drive Peer Learning on Leadership and Positive Parenting. Mentors from the Mwanamke Imara Kwale Cohort stepped into leadership roles, facilitating a powerful Women Leadership Training session that centered on peer-to-peer learning and positive parenting. The session created a safe and engaging space for women to share experiences, challenge perspectives, and collectively reflect on their role within their families and communities. One of the key h

Today, YOWPSUD joins a critical continental dialogue convened by UNDP Africa and Nonviolent Peaceforce under the theme “From Protection to Prevention: Sustaining Peace through Community-led Action in Africa.” The discussion comes at a pivotal moment, as peacebuilding actors across Africa increasingly recognize that long-term stability depends not only on responding to crises, but on preventing them through inclusive, community-driven approaches. As part of this engagement,

YOWPSUD team convened for a focused Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) workshop aimed at strengthening internal capacity and enhancing the effectiveness of its community-based interventions. The session brought together staff and key implementers to build practical knowledge and skills essential for navigating the complex environments in which Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) work takes place. As YOWPSUD continues to expand its footprint across communities,

Group Photo: Security, Justice actors, Communities and CSOs Bridging State and Community: A Core Best Practice One of the most significant takeaways from the exchange was the importance of creating structured spaces where women from formal security systems and grassroots networks can interact. By bringing together law enforcement officers, civil society actors, and members of community-based structures such as nyumba kumi, peace committees, and ADR groups, the forum demonstra

Job Category: Consultants Requisition Number: SOCIA001134 Posted: April 13, 2026 Full-Time On-site Locations Showing 1 location Mombasa, KE 00000, KEN Job Details Description Context Search for Common Ground (Search) is the world’s largest dedicated peacebuilding organization working to transform the way the world deals with conflict, away from adversarial approaches towards collaborative solutions. For 40 years Search has implemented peacebuilding programs in more than 30

YOWPSUD recently took part in the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Regional Communication Strategic Workshop on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), a three–day forum that brought together media practitioners, journalists, civil society organizations, and representatives from county and national government. The forum focused on strengthening the role of communication and technology in the implementation of the National Strategy to Prevent and Counter Vi

The Mwanamke Imara program was founded on a simple belief: when women in security and justice are empowered, communities become safer, more just, and more resilient. Across Kilifi and Kwale, mentorship has created spaces where women can reflect, heal, and grow into confident leaders within institutions that shape peace and security. This newsletter shares the voices behind that transformation stories of courage, discipline, and sisterhood that demonstrate how investment in wo

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Deadline for submission of applications: Friday, 6 February at 12:00 AM (Central European Time) For young people from around the world (ages 18 to 30) Are you passionate about integrity, transparency, and using new technologies to make the world fairer? Do you want hands-on experience with international negotiations and the United Nations system? If you answered “ yes ”, then this opportunity is for you! What is the Model UNCAC Youth COSP? The United Nat

1. Introduction: Origins, Evolution, and Contemporary Meaning of Drill Music Drill music emerged in the early 2010s from the South Side of Chicago, born out of marginalized urban communities grappling with poverty, exclusion, and persistent violence. The genre was pioneered by young artists who used raw storytelling to narrate lived realities street life, survival, and identity often in environments where traditional avenues for expression and economic mobility were limited.

The prevention of violent extremism begins long before violence occurs. It starts with awareness, trust, inclusion, and informed action within communities and institutions. Under the Mwanamke Imara Initiative , Youth and Women for Peace and Sustainable Development (YOWPSUD) continues to invest in strengthening the capacity of women in security and justice institutions to play a proactive role in preventing violent extremism and radicalization. Women as Pillars of Prevention W