The Norwegian Embassy in Manila partners with the Center for Peace Education (CPE) — Miriam College for the “WePeace: Women in Peacekeeping” project, which is an initiative that provides a gender-responsive,community-based, training that will build the capacity of women peacekeepers in their local communities.
“Women and children exposed to conflict affected areas are often vulnerable to various security threats and dangers,” said Norwegian Embassy Manila Deputy Head of Mission Larissa Falkenberg Kosanovic.
“Educating women as peacekeepers will encourage their participation in local dialogues and will promote sustainable peace in the long run,” she added.
As of August 2019, CPE – Miriam College shared that the project has engaged four different local communities affected by conflict and armed violence namely, North Cotabato, Surigao Del Sur, Kalinga, and Quezon Province.
The project aims to institutionalize a community of women peacebuilders that would eventually initiate activities that will empower women, promote peace, and prevent conflict in these communities.
Earlier in 2019, Norway launched its Fourth Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security 2019 to 2021 which details Norway’s systematic focus to strengthen the gender perspective in implementing peace dialogues across all missions.
This is in line with Norway’s foreign policy commitments to be a consistent partner for peace. Norway seeks candidature for the UN Security Council 2021-2022 to defend a humanitarian and rules-based global order.
In the Philippines, Norway has been the third-party facilitator between the CPP-NPA-NDFP (Communist movement) and the Philippine government since 2001, and is the current Vice Chair of the International Decommissioning Body (IDB) that oversees the MILF decommissioning efforts in the Bangsamoro region.
Norway seeks to promote women’s rights and participation through persistent efforts of women, peace, and security.
SOURCE: Manila Times > https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/02/weekly/expat-diplomats/norway-strengthens-gender-responsive-peacemaking-in-ph/609480/