International civil society action network (ICAN): Peacebuilding is women superheroes

Women peacebuilders are superheroes who speak out against violence and work with their communities to envision a future where violence does not determine lives. However, the work of women peacebuilders is dangerous by nature, and they have been systematically excluded, misunderstood, and threatened because of their work. In response, ICAN, with its global partners from the Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership, launched the collaborative She Builds Peace campaign, a call to action to stand with women peacebuilders and ensure that they are protected, recognized, and resourced.

In 2022, the Women Education and Development Organization of Liberia (WEDOL), a women-led peacebuilding organization in Margibi County, Liberia, used the She Builds Peace campaign to formalize a village savings and loan association (VSLA) for women peacebuilders. VSLAs are small groups who collectively save their money in a safe space. Contributing to a shared fund, women support one another through hard times and can take out loans to cover costs such as school fees or to set up businesses or purchase land. 

The women of WEDOL make an impact in their community by resolving disputes including local complaints, family conflicts, or cases of gender-based violence, which have traditionally been the responsibility of local chiefs and courts. Their success has even prompted plans to expand the campaign into other counties. By establishing tangible initiatives, raising awareness, and gaining institutional support, She Builds Peace empowers women to play a key role in resolving disputes within their communities. Learn more here!