Females in the northern Uganda peace process

By Erin Hunt

This week I want to share an informative online radio piece I found about women and peace in northern Uganda. The first half of IRIN Talks’ Bulletin 5 (from Nov 12, 2009) includes conversations with Betty Begombe and Santa Okot about women’s involvement in the peace process in northern Uganda.

While it will give you some background on the two women who they interview, here’s what I know. Betty Begombe was a Ugandan MP and Minister from Gulu when she headed up failed peace talks with the LRA in 1993/1994. She also participated in later peace talks in 2004-2005. Santa Okot was a negotiator in the Juba peace talks for the LRA. The LRA approached her to represent them at the negotiations.

Now I’m not quite fancy enough to link this posting to the actual file so you’ll have to find it on the IRIN Talks web site or for free via iTunes - it’s “IRIN Radio” under podcasts. It’s Bulletin 5 from November 12, 2009.

I find it interesting to hear about the experiences of these women at the negotiation table. We’ve been working at the grassroots level to support the inclusion of female youth in grassroots peacebuilding activities. To have strong role models like these two women is very helpful in demonstrating that women are essential participants in peace talks and mediations.

Anyone have additional information to contribute to this conversation?