The Peacebuilding Process
May 13, 2010
Melissa Smith

This past week, Adam and I travelled with other members of the CAUSE team to attend CAUSE Canada’s Regional Peace Conference in Freetown, while Matthew remained in Kabala to teach his classes at the bible college. 

At the conference, civil society representatives from Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone joined together to discuss the “increased participation of women and youth in the Peacebuilding process.” 

For me, the most exciting and interesting part of the conference was the delegates themselves.  It was inspiring to be in a room full of people who were so dedicated to Peace in their communities and countries.   As people whose lives have been profoundly impacted by violence and conflict, they carried with them a deep understanding of peace as a social and political imperative.  We, along with the rest of the world, have a great deal to learn from them.

As the conference dealt with the increased participation of women, the female delegates were especially outstanding.  Throughout the conference, we heard from female parliamentarians, chairladies, directors and activists.  Without exception they were intelligent, capable, peace-loving and powerful women.  They did an excellent job of expressing the interests of women in the peace process and articulating their demands for justice and inclusion.

The youth representatives were also fabulous.  Above all, they emphasized that gainful employment for youth will be necessary for sustainable peace in all three countries.  Of course, they pointed out that to take advantage gainful employment, youth must also have access to education, vocational training and a sense of self-confidence. 

As the delegates shared ideas about what it will take to have lasting peace in West Africa, they encouraged each other to persevere in their work and never settle for injustice and violence in their communities.   It was a very hopeful message. 

Now they are working on disseminating that message, along with their other specific recommendations, through a regional communiqué.   We wish them success, safety, and strength to continue in their very important task.