Global peace award an incredible honour

To be considered for a Global Pluralism Award is an incredible honour. I sincerely thank the Global Centre for Pluralism, who lead in agenda setting and dialogue.

I have been privileged to hold leadership roles in civil society and government. These roles have always focused on promoting diverse and inclusive societies.

I am told that the jury was impressed with my commitment to conflict prevention across the African countries I work in and my innovative approach to mediation.

I was also told that hundreds of candidates from 43 countries were nominated for the award.

I wish to thank the two organisations that nominated me. One is the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), in Switzerland. 

CONFLICTS

The second is the Institute for Inclusive Security based in the US. Pluralism for me means believing and working for peaceful co-existence without diminishing any of my or the identities of the people I work with. I have realised that it is less difficult to solve violent conflicts if one knows and understands the core values of the rival parties, accepts their culture and does not seek to dilute their identities.

As a mediator, I invite people to dialogue at the peace table to represent one, either or all of their identities, be they religious, ethnic, women, men, youth or people with disability.

It is my ability to engage with pluralism as a concept that builds on identities as strengths and not weaknesses.

Since men dominate the peace and security sector, women are either under-represented or left out entirely. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission provided opportunities to hone my skills as a mediator. I thank former chairman Dr Mzalendo Kibunjia, Mr Halakhe Waqo, Dr Ahmed Yassin and CEO Hassan Mohammed for supporting me.

MEDIATOR

 The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue provided an opportunity for me in Nigeria, to be a lead mediator, the first time a woman has done so.

I mediated between 29 ethnic communities in Kaduna State, leading to the Kafanchan Peace Declaration and 56 ethnic communities in Plateau State, leading to the Southern Plateau Peace Declaration.

Of all the inclusions sought in peace processes worldwide, the women’s role is the most contested. In Nigeria, we have changed that narrative by entrenching women’s participation with men and youth; using inclusive language, and making reference to both men and women rather than to people or groups. I tell the people I work with: Let us be kinder to ourselves. Let us tell kinder stories of our experiences. I am grateful to the people who made it possible for me to win this award. They include, Dr Kibunjia because of the peace agreement and sustainable peace we achieved in Nakuru, the elders, especially the coordinators, Mr Maina Muhia and Mr Andrew Yatich, and the women’s chair, Prof Mary Kariuki.

DIVISIVE ELECTION

This award comes at a difficult time when we, Kenyans, have just had an extremely divisive election and are heading to a more difficult one. Under the chairmanship of General (rtd) Daniel Opande and deputy Wilfred Kiboro, the Nation Group chairman, I am part of a team of volunteers including Gen  Hezron Murunga, Mr Alban Mwendar, Mr Paul Gondi and Ms Florence Mpaayei, who are trying to help avert violence through confidential meetings with and between the leaders of the main political parties and the independent constitutional bodies.

 The award has given me a mountain top from which to shout out my optimism and create opportunities for both men and women. I will do so to the best of my ability. So help me God!

 Ms Nderitu is lead mediator, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.  [email protected].