Gender Mainstreaming In Peacekeeping Operations ... - Resdal

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS
Keys to Success
• Engaging local NGOs and networks (training of trainers
created a network for increased sensitization)
• Messages specific to local issues, in a local dialect
• UNMIL/OGA attention to central committees
• Widespread sensitization and empowerment
Results were achieved through engaging local NGOs and
networks within the elections process. The partnerships that
were formed during this time were the vehicle to mobilizing
women during the elections, and were cited by stakeholders
as the single most effective way to mobilize women. Women’s
groups and NGOs became effective actors in advocating for
changes in the electoral laws, registration process, civic and
voter education. This increased the ownership by women
and facilitated programmes that would be well accepted
and successful. Because NGOs were responsible for their
own approach, messages and tactics were highly localized,
constituting a highly effective and efficient use of resources to
reach a mutually chosen goal.
Creating local-level messages also meant adapting voter and civic
education programmes and training programmes to the dates/
times accessible to women in a variety of formats, enhancing
their success. While methodology varied from party to party,
approaches sensitive to women included a campaign that
mobilized women to go from house to house, to marketplaces
and to schools. Stakeholders across agencies agreed on the
success of this approach. Key resource support facilitated every
step of the process -- from vehicle to posters to office space for
the first Women’s NGO Secretariat (WONGOSOL). According
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