Peacebuilding Workshop
The potential for violence in all forms, especially gender-based violence, escalates during contentious election cycles.
“What is known as 'electoral-related sexual violence’ is a form of sexual violence, such as rape and sexual assault associated with electoral processes that is intended to influence a political outcome.”
United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2019/12/breaking-cycles-sexual-violence-linked-elections-kenya
Every five years, Kenyans prepare for a presidential election. Unfortunately, this season historically has brought unrest and violence.
As the Kenyan election season was approaching on August 9, we knew we had to do something. On July 8-9, our field partner, Rachel Mutai of ALARM-Kenya (African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries), co-facilitated a Peacebuilding and Mediation Skills Workshop for 54 local leaders.
The purpose of the workshop was to encourage, equip, and empower leaders in what is considered a hot spot (regions deemed with higher potential for violence). Over the course of two days, they focused on learning about and practicing peacebuilding and mediation skills.
54 participants gathered to discuss the impact of politics, elections, and their role as church and community leaders. Much of the focus was on how they can contribute to restoring the beauty and blessing of ethnic diversity.
Through preventive efforts like this, communities are able to reduce tension, decrease violence, and increase their capacity for building peace practices.
“The topics of dialogue and mediation have been powerful for me. As a pastor and leader in the church and community, I should know how to handle social and economic violence cases that arise. I have been informed, equipped, and am now ready.” — Leader
