I Forum of Women and Girls for Peace in Guinea-Bissau, on 25 May in Bissau

23 May 2018

I Forum of Women and Girls for Peace in Guinea-Bissau, on 25 May in Bissau

In Guinea-Bissau, a vicious cycle of political instability has plagued the country for several years and has continuously degraded the social, economic, environmental and political fabric, particularly in the spheres of women and girls.

For this reason, women's organizations and youth in civil society in general have undertaken successive initiatives aimed at finding consensual and lasting solutions towards the country’s progress and social well-being. Nevertheless, the current situation in Guinea-Bissau is characterized by dysfunctional democratic institutions, rising poverty rates, poor access to basic services such as health, education and energy systems are consequences of the prevailing political crisis.

This difficult context in the country is only one stage of a long process of degradation of the foundations of democracy and the rule of law, undermining peace and social cohesion.

Concerned about the persistence of the political impasse, the former Women's group for Facilitation of Dialogue convened a Forum on 16 March 2018 to discuss the new strategies with a view not only to make new efforts for dialogue and resolving the prevailing political crisis, but also to identify new challenges that lead to the strengthening of national cohesion and the consequent integration of gender perspectives in the process of peace consolidation in Guinea Bissau. This meeting resulted in the creation of the GUINEA WOMEN'S COUNCIL. Whose main missions are:

- Promote an inclusive dialogue with a view to political and governmental stability in the country;

- Establish a common agenda for women and, consequently, promote internal cohesion within their representative organizations, with a view to achieving shared solutions, while respecting the values of cultural, religious, gender equality and equality;

- Encourage initiatives by the National and International Authorities to strengthen actions for peace building and social cohesion from a gender perspective;

Considering that GUINÉ-BISSAU prepares itself in this particularly difficult and challenging situation, for another phase of the Legislative Elections, on 18 November of this year, the National Council of Women joined the Youth to act in unison, (Women and Youth), so that they can exercise their right to speak and convey to the political class their expectations of a future with stability, peace, happiness and prosperity and put an end to this political and economic and social drift!

Considering the above, the Guinean Women's Council decided to hold the 1st Forum of Women and Girls for Peace, as it seeks to bridge the gap between our populations (women and girls) with respect to: the basic principles of democracy and the importance of peace for the construction of the country and the need for everyone to take their share of responsibility in promoting peace and social cohesion in Guinea Bissau.

The preparation of this 1st FORUM OF WOMEN AND GIRLS FOR PEACE began with the achievements of the Regional Forums during the current month, with five teams working in the field, who successfully developed the events on 9 in Catió; 10 in Gabu, Mansoa and Buba; 12 in Bafatá, Canchungo, Bolama and Bubaque, and 13 in Quinhamel.

These forums have diagnosed the negative impact of this crisis on the lives of our rural communities, particularly women and girls; as well as the need to promote ongoing dialogue in their communities, to assist in conflict resolution and prevention at the local level.

With this commitment to the peace of women and girls in civil society, it is also intended to recognize the non-involvement of the military in present political rivalries, as well as to reinforce the commitment of the different communities in the country to respect democratic rules and to build a lasting social peace.

I could not end without thanking the United Nations Integrated Office for Peace in Guinea-Bissau and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) for believing and supporting the Guinean Women's Council in implementing this project.

I also take this opportunity to inform that this event will also have the honorable presence of Ms. Ana Maria Menendez, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, our special guest from the United States, to attend the I FORUM OF WOMEN AND GIRLS FOR PEACE IN GUINEA-BISSAU, on 25 May in Paiã (Alto de Bandim) in Bissau.

Guinean women have the potential to fight and win, so women will win peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau.

The struggle is arduous but victory is not impossible.

The women of Guinea know and can do it!!!

Message from the Women's Council.