Malawi: Women leading in peace mediation

The article reports on the growing role of women in peace mediation and conflict resolution in Malawi through community‑based women’s forums supported by Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO). It focuses on women trained under the Sustaining Women’s Movement for Peacebuilding and Response to Humanitarian Crisis Project, which aims to strengthen women’s participation in conflict prevention, humanitarian response, and gender‑based violence prevention. 

Personal experiences of women mediators from Machinga district illustrate how leadership and peacebuilding training has enabled women to mediate disputes involving traditional leaders, resolve family and marital conflicts, and promote peaceful coexistence in their communities. The story highlights cases where women intervened successfully in long‑standing disputes and supported efforts to reduce sexual and gender‑based violence. 

The article situates these local achievements within broader national and international frameworks, including the importance of women’s participation in peace processes as outlined in global policy commitments. Voices from civil society and project coordinators underscore that empowering women in mediation strengthens community stability, protects vulnerable groups, and contributes to sustainable peace. 

LINK TO PUBLISHED STORY

https://www.yonecofm.com/index.php/2025/10/17/women-leading-in-peace-mediation/

This article, first published by Yoneco FM , is part of the  Media Parity Capacity Building and republished as part of the programme series.