Gender Associations is proud to have supported the development and launch of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR)second Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. The launch of the Regional Action Plan, which was endorsed by Heads of State at the 9th Ordinary Summit in November 2025.
The security challenges facing the Great Lakes region – conflict, displacement, and competition over natural resources – are complex, interconnected, and transcend national boundaries. These security threats are also profoundly gendered with differential risks and impacts for women and children. At a time when the region needs coordinated solutions more than ever, this regional approach provides the roadmap to move from dialogue to action to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace.
The adoption of the Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security reflects strong regional leadership and a shared commitment from Member States. It is also the result of an inclusive process that brought together regional institutions, grassroots women’s voices from across the region, and partners.
Commissioned by GIZ, Gender Associations has supported this process by providing background research, targeted trainings, and technical expert advice to help ensure that the Regional Action Plan is grounded in evidence, informed by practice, and responsive to the realities of women across the region.
From left to right: Flaviana Charles (Director, Gender, Women & Children), Anastaesia Mondesir (Policy Specialist, Gender Associations), Chisvos Munhamo (Gender Barometer Expert), Mubita Luwabelwa (Executive Secretary of the ICGLR), Christine Mbonyingingo (Gender Barometer Expert), and Dr. Kimono (LMRC Director).
