Women’s political participation in countries emerging from conflict in the Great Lakes Region of Africa: Report of a consultation workshop

This report presents the findings of a consultation workshop organised as part of a regional research project aimed at assessing the impact of women’s political participation in countries emerging from conflict in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

One of the positive outcomes of peace processes and political transitions in the Great Lakes Region has been the increased participation of women in political decision-making.

The workshop took place at the Hotel Africana, Kampala, Uganda, from 28 to 30 August 2007. It was attended by members of civil society, parliamentarians, provincial governors, and International Alert and Eastern African Sub-Regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI) partners from Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC.

The discussions focused among others, on issues such as the nature of women’s participation, factors facilitating women’s participation in political transition processes and hindrances and constraints to women’s participation.