Peace Begins With HER

What is peace? How peaceful is our world today? Do we even understand what peace is? How can we have peace when we do not know what it is?

Why else is the world in such chaos when there is enough for everyone to thrive? What are we missing? What are we not doing right?

We have well educated and professional leaders at the helm of affairs? Check

The world leaders are knowledgeable, skilled and experienced in both local and global leadership? Check

Then why is the world in crisis? Because men rule without women by their side.

Not by their side as consort, but as equals in authority, knowledge and leadership.

Some intellectuals say, the world is in crisis because of the death of the divine feminine.; and maybe they are right. Because the exclusion of women in social life, and leadership spaces did not only resulted in the deprivation of their rights, agency and choices which in turn, destroyed the feminine energy of kindness, compassion, empathy, love, honesty and accountability but it also impacted on the cohesive relationship and affection between the two genders.

As nurturers, women are the leaders that nourishes both body and soul to thrive. Removing them from leadership created the gap that gave birth to the world's endless conflict and chaos. Because not only did their absence create a physical void, but it created a spiritual one as well.

The absence of the divine feminine creates toxic masculinity which breeds chaos.

This is why women are desperately needed in peacebuilding efforts because it is the lack of women that created the need for peacebuilding in the first place. Feminine values, presence and contributions in every space bring the balance needed to create positive masculinity and good leadership.

The role of women in peacebuilding cannot be overemphasized, because women are the solution bringers. Unfortunately, just like every other sector, women are excluded from peacebuilding talks and negotiations.

Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, equality, safety, dignity and mutual respect for all. And that is what SHE brings to the table.

Throughout history, women and Children remain the most vulnerable victims of every disaster; both natural and man-made. They are the most victims, it is only right they get to decide the kind of support and intervention they need, and also contribute to solving the conflict that caused their victimhood.

According to the African Union, Women have historically played significant roles in peace building efforts in Africa, often at the grassroots level, where they have demonstrated the ability to bring communities together, promote dialogue, and address the root causes of conflicts. Their unique perspectives and experiences offer valuable insights into conflict prevention and resolution.

Even though studies have shown that peace agreements reached with the active participation of women have a better chance of being sustainable and effective than those without, women's voices and influence are still missing in the continental and global peacebuilding negotiation table.

If societies that put an emphasis on reaching gender equality also enjoy better health, stronger economic growth and higher security, what would a society that puts women on the peacebuilding negation table achieve?

Safer communities. Lasting peace. Stronger unity. Better collaboration

Because peace, begins with HER