🕊️ IGAD Ministerial Conference on Women, Peace and Security 📅 27 February 2026,–Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪 The @IGADsecretariat Ministerial Conference on Women, Peace and Security successfully concluded in Nairobi with commitments to institutionalise gender-transformative peacebuilding across the region. The Ministers, Heads of Delegation, Delegates, and Experts ; 🔹 Endorsed the establishment of the IGAD Women Mediation Advisory Board to reinforce inclusive preventive diplomacy 
🔹 Adopted the IGAD Gender Statistics Strategy (2026–2030) to strengthen harmonised, gender-disaggregated data for evidence-based policy 
🔹 Launched the Gendered Intersectionality Toolkit, advancing inclusive conflict prevention by integrating analysis of overlapping identities into early warning and mediation efforts The Conference closed with a clear regional resolve to strengthen women’s leadership, enhance data-driven peacebuilding, and advance inclusive security across the IGAD region. #IGAD #WPS

🎓 Empowering Women for Political Leadership! @IGADSecretariat Gender has successfully concluded the three-day Capacity-Building Training for Aspiring Women Political Leaders in Juba, South Sudan, with participants receiving certificates of completion. Over the three days, participants strengthened their skills in political leadership, public speaking, advocacy, coalition building, conflict prevention and meaningful participation in decision-making processes. A key highlight of the training was the practical development of draft gender-responsive political manifestos, outlining participants’ leadership visions and priorities. These drafts will serve as living documents, which participants will continue to refine through further consultations with their constituencies to ensure they reflect the needs, aspirations and priorities of the communities they seek to represent. The training marks an important step towards equipping women with the confidence, knowledge and practical tools to pursue political leadership, influence policy and contribute to more inclusive, peaceful and responsive governance in South Sudan. Implemented with support from the Government of Japan, this initiative reaffirms IGAD’s commitment to advancing women’s meaningful participation and leadership in the region. Implemented with support from the Government of Japan, this initiative reaffirms IGAD’s commitment to advancing women’s meaningful participation and leadership in the region.

Women’s voices and experiences took centre stage on Day 2 of the IGAD Capacity-Building Training for Aspiring Women Political Leaders in Juba, South Sudan. Through personal testimonies and interactive discussions, participants reflected on the economic, cultural, institutional, political and personal barriers that hinder women’s participation in political leadership. Participants also explored strategies for overcoming these challenges and strengthening their political positioning. Through practical exercises, they were guided through the process of developing gender-responsive political manifestos, from identifying community needs and priorities to translating them into clear, inclusive and actionable policy commitments. Supported by the Government of @japan , the training reflects @IGADsecretariat 's commitment to equipping women with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to participate meaningfully and influence political decision-making.

📍 Juba, South Sudan 🇸🇸 | 7–9 October 2026 Ahead of South Sudan's anticipated 2026 elections, the @IGADsecretariat Gender Affairs Department, with financial support from the Government of Japan 🇯🇵, is conducting a three-day capacity-building training for 45 aspiring women political leaders. The training aims to strengthen women's leadership capacities, confidence and practical skills to effectively participate in political processes, governance and decision-making. Through interactive sessions on political leadership, advocacy, public speaking, coalition-building, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, the training seeks to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to navigate political spaces, overcome barriers to participation and contribute meaningfully to inclusive governance and sustainable peace in South Sudan. The initiative forms part of IGAD's continued commitment to advancing women's political participation, leadership and empowerment across the region. #IGADGender #WomenInLeadership #WPS #SouthSudan #WomenPoliticalParticipation