KAIROS’ Women of Courage: Women, Peace and Security initiative is rooted in the understanding that in situations of conflict and post-conflict women are victimized many times over, through gender inequity, poverty, racism, military conflict, and sexual violence as a strategy of war. At the same time, women and women’s organizations are integral actors in the defense of human rights and in processes for peace, justice and reparations. KAIROS works with partners in Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Israel/Palestine, the Philippines and South Sudan to end gender based violence in militarized conflict and to increase the participation of women in peacebuilding processes at all levels.
In just one year, the program undertook critical steps towards transformative change for women victims and survivors of violence in the Global South – despite regional difference, escalating security threats and political challenges. The Women, Peace & Security (WPS) program is based on solid evidence that women victims and survivors of violence in armed conflict and post conflict situations are empowered through psychosocial and legal support.