Women at the center of peacebuilding
The Women’s Situation Room® (WSR) is ABIC’s flagship initiative. More than just a program, it is a peacebuilding innovation that actively mitigates violence before, during, and after elections by empowering women and youth to observe, mediate, and engage key stakeholders in constructive dialogue.
It is the practical actualization of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognizes women’s essential role in preventing conflict, building peace, and maintaining security.
It is adapted to each country’s circumstances, because the women of that country decide how their Situation Room should operate.
How the Room works
The Eminent Women
Women with reach, who can engage the President, the Legislature, the Judiciary, the security sector, the media, the National Elections Commission, political leaders, and other key stakeholders. When a dangerous incident occurs, they use their credibility and access to secure timely intervention.
Observers and monitors
The Situation Room deploys an all-female team of election observers, while both women and men serve as monitors. Together, they gather and verify information from communities across the country.
The call center
University students and young professionals operate the call center. Reports about incidents that could lead to violence are documented, verified, and transferred to the Eminent Women, who engage the appropriate authorities.
Youth peacebuilders
Disadvantaged young people are trained in peacebuilding, mediation, civic responsibility, and nonviolence. Through peer-to-peer engagement, they share these lessons with others.
Implemented across Africa
- Liberia
- Senegal
- Kenya
- Sierra Leone
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Uganda
The Room “helped to prevent or mitigate the eruption and escalation of violence, inter alia through observing and monitoring, and by engaging stakeholders in constructive dialogue and peace advocacy.”United Nations Security Council, Letter S/2021/900, October 25, 2021
See the Room in action
Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of the Republic of Liberia, is the Champion of the Women’s Situation Room.
The African Union has also recognized and supported the Women’s Situation Room as an important African mechanism for promoting peaceful elections.
With thanks to our partners
Their partnership has strengthened women’s leadership, created opportunities for young people, and helped communities protect the peace.
- United Nations Development Programme
- United Nations Peacebuilding Fund
- UNITAR
- Sweden
- Ireland
- African Women’s Development Fund
- United States Embassy
- Urgent Action Fund
- European Union
The peace is in our hands
Sustaining it requires action from us all. Talk to us about the Women’s Situation Room.