With support from the Coalition for Action on 1325 (COACT) and funding from UN Women, PSD implemented this initiative in Wakiso District to strengthen women’s and young people’s meaningful participation in peace and security processes and address factors that can increase vulnerability to violent extremism.
The project brought together women leaders, young people, community and religious leaders, teachers, local government, civil society and other key influencers to discuss conflict, peaceful coexistence and the prevention and countering of violent extremism. Through inter-generational dialogues, participants shared experiences, challenged harmful stereotypes and developed locally relevant actions for peace and prevention.
PSD also supported youth action groups to translate dialogue into community action and used art as a tool for peacebuilding and empowerment. Through Art for Peace Festivals, young people used music, poetry, drama, visual arts and creative enterprise to promote messages of peace, challenge harmful narratives and showcase their talents.
In partnership with the Refugee Law Project, PSD also supported opportunities for Second Chance Education, recognising education and livelihood pathways as important elements in reducing young people’s vulnerability to recruitment into violent extremism.
The project demonstrates PSD’s approach to peacebuilding: creating space for communities to lead, strengthening women’s and young people’s agency, and connecting local experience with district peace and security structures.