We are thrilled to announce the formation of a dynamic local steering committee in Santa, dedicated to advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. This milestone follows our successful WPS workshop, where passionate community leaders, activists, and stakeholders came together to address the critical role women play in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.

This new committee is a powerful step toward ensuring that the WPS agenda is not just a global ideal but a locally driven reality in Santa. By focusing on the unique needs and challenges of the municipality, this initiative will allow for more inclusive and locally tailored solutions that center women in the peace-building process.
The steering committee comprises key local actors who are committed to creating a more peaceful, secure, and equitable Santa. These individuals, who bring diverse backgrounds and expertise, will work hand-in-hand to localize the WPS agenda, ensuring that women’s voices are elevated and their needs are prioritized in decision-making processes.
The formation of this steering committee marks the beginning of a dedicated effort to foster gender equality, promote peace, and support women’s leadership in Santa. Through this partnership, the committee will focus on the following core areas:
- Increasing Women’s Participation in Peace-Building: By ensuring that women have a seat at the table in all peace-related discussions, we aim to enhance their role in shaping a peaceful future for Santa. This includes advocating for the inclusion of women in decision-making processes at both the community and local government levels.
- Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV): A major priority of the committee will be to combat gender-based violence, which remains a significant barrier to peace and security. The committee will work to ensure that survivors of GBV have access to adequate support services and that preventive measures are put in place to protect women and girls from violence.
- Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment: Economic stability and empowerment are essential for building peaceful communities. By increasing access to education, vocational training, and entrepreneurial opportunities, the committee will help women achieve financial independence, contributing to both their personal security and the broader peace-building efforts.
- Advocating for Policy Change: The committee will work to influence local policies that support women’s rights, peace, and security. This includes advocating for laws and regulations that safeguard women’s rights to participate in governance and access critical services.
- Community Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the importance of women’s role in peace and security will be crucial for community buy-in. The steering committee will organize educational campaigns, community dialogues, and workshops to engage the public and encourage positive social change.

As we look forward to the incredible work that the Santa WPS steering committee will be doing, we are confident that their collective efforts will create a lasting impact in the municipality. The members of this committee are driven by a deep commitment to building a more peaceful, inclusive, and equitable Santa, where women’s rights are protected, their voices are heard, and their potential is fully realized.
This initiative is not only a local victory but a significant step toward advancing gender equality and peace-building in the region. By focusing on local solutions, we can address the unique challenges faced by women and girls in Santa while fostering an environment of lasting peace.

We will continue to keep you informed about the exciting progress the WPS steering committee is making. Their work will be instrumental in creating a more peaceful and secure Santa, and we are excited to be a part of this journey with them. Together, we can help shape a future where women’s leadership in peace and security is not just a possibility but a reality.