IWPG and Mali Women’s Network Join Hands to Expand Peace Education in Africa
The agreement follows four months of discussions that began with an initial meeting in September 2025, where both organizations explored ways to respond to Mali’s ongoing social instability and security challenges through education and community engagement.
From Dialogue to Formal Partnership
The collaboration was formalized on January 10, 2026, by IWPG Global Region 7 and WiLDAF-AO, a respected women’s and human rights network in Mali. During earlier discussions, both sides acknowledged that prolonged insecurity—caused in part by terrorism and social unrest—has placed women and children at heightened risk.
They agreed that combining IWPG’s peace education content with WiLDAF-AO’s deep understanding of local systems and communities could significantly improve the reach and effectiveness of peace education in Mali.
Local Leadership and Strong Networks
WiLDAF-AO is widely recognized for its work in advancing women’s rights and legal protection in Mali. The organization includes visible leadership from former Minister for the Promotion of Women, Children, and the Family, Bouaré Bintou Founé Samaké, who currently serves as a commissioner of Mali’s National Human Rights Commission (CNDH).
Through this partnership, IWPG plans to work closely with local networks to support participant recruitment, coordination with related institutions, and the long-term settlement of peace education programs within local communities.
Focus on Peace Education for Women and Youth
At the core of the agreement is a shared commitment to peace promotion through education and awareness. IWPG and WiLDAF-AO will jointly develop and implement peace instructor training programs targeting women and young people, with pilot programs adapted to Mali’s social and cultural context.
To ensure continuity and transparency, both organizations will establish a Joint Steering Committee (COPIL). This committee will oversee program management, monitoring, and coordination throughout the implementation process.
Expanding Peace Through Culture and the Arts
Beyond formal education, the partnership also includes plans to promote peace culture through creative and cultural activities. Proposed initiatives include peace-themed art programs for youth, exhibitions, and intergenerational exchange activities designed to encourage dialogue and mutual understanding within communities.
These efforts aim to broaden the concept of peace beyond classrooms, embedding it into everyday cultural and social life.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Sustainable Peace
Representatives from IWPG Global Region 7 noted that the MOU gives concrete form to the commitment made in September 2025 to expand peace education in Mali. By focusing on women’s education, cooperation, and locally grounded implementation, the partnership seeks to deliver practical and sustainable peace projects that respond to real community needs.
WiLDAF-AO has also expressed its intention to actively support the initiative through its local networks, reinforcing collaboration and shared responsibility.
Why This Matters
This partnership highlights a growing recognition that peace education is most effective when it is locally rooted and women-led. By combining international experience with local expertise, IWPG and WiLDAF-AO are laying the groundwork for peace initiatives that are not imposed from outside, but built together with communities on the ground.
As peace education continues to expand across Africa, this collaboration stands as an example of how international cooperation and local leadership can work together toward long-term social stability.
Source: https://vo.la/c1YmHr0
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