GPRDA Empowers Women in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

Ghion Peace, Reconciliation and Development Association (GPRDA), with support from Welthungerhilfe (WHH), successfully conducted a two-day training program on conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding for 80 women from Gondar City, Kola Diba, Maksegnit, and Ambagiorgis towns. The training, held at Jan Tekel Hotel from July 14-17, was delivered in two rounds to ensure broader participation and deeper engagement.

The primary goal of the training was to equip women with essential knowledge, skills, and strategies to actively engage in conflict resolution and peacebuilding at family, community, and societal levels. By strengthening their leadership capacities, the program ensures that women play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable peace.

Participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing local challenges and solutions. Many highlighted the limited resources and institutional support that hinder peacebuilding efforts, particularly in the Amhara region, where informal leaders like elders often struggle to mediate disputes effectively.

Concerns were also raised about growing ethnic and religious tensions, especially among youth, which require urgent intervention. Despite their critical contributions, women remain underrepresented in peace processes, underscoring the need for greater inclusion. Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration among community institutions to address ongoing conflicts and strengthen local peace initiatives.

The training successfully brought together diverse groups, fostering dialogue and revitalizing peacebuilding efforts amid political challenges. It provided a platform for strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, helping participants develop a roadmap for sustainable peace initiatives. The sessions also highlighted the vital role of grassroots organizations like GPRDA in strengthening community resilience and promoting inclusive conflict resolution.

This initiative marks a positive step toward inclusive peacebuilding, equipping women with the tools to drive change in their communities. GPRDA remains committed to empowering local leaders and fostering unified approaches to conflict resolution.