By Adan Mohamed - Reporter
July 19, 2026 - Women leaders and peace advocates from Mandera County in Kenya, Beled Hawo in Somalia, and Suftu in Ethiopia convened in Mandera Town for a cross-border peace dialogue aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, promoting peaceful coexistence, and addressing challenges affecting women and girls in the tri-border region.
The forum, organized by Mandera Women for Peace & Development (MWFPD), was supported by the European Union (EU) and the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya as part of ongoing efforts to enhance women's participation in peacebuilding and community development.
The meeting brought together women representatives from the three neighbouring countries to discuss common issues affecting communities living along the porous borders, including insecurity, displacement, limited economic opportunities, and barriers to women's participation in decision-making processes.
The women exchanged experiences and best practices on how communities can work together to prevent conflicts, strengthen social cohesion, and build lasting peace across the border region.
They also explored practical strategies to empower women and girls through increased participation in peace initiatives, dialogue, and local development programmes.
Abdia Sheikh emphasized that women play a critical role in conflict prevention and resolution, noting that their involvement in peace processes contributes to stronger and more resilient communities.
"Women are at the heart of every community and have a vital role to play in preventing conflicts and promoting lasting peace. When women are actively involved in peacebuilding and decision-making, communities become more united, resilient, and better equipped to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than violence," Abdia Sheikh said.
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The women together called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure women have a greater voice in promoting stability and sustainable development.
The women from all the three countries further vowed to strengthen cross-border cooperation and maintain regular dialogue to address shared challenges facing communities in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
The peace dialogue forms part of extensive regional initiatives aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence, enhancing cross-border collaboration, and empowering women as key drivers of peace and development in the Horn of Africa.