Kenyan peace advocate receives international recognition

A Kenyan woman has been honoured with an international award for her significant contributions to conflict resolution.

Hamisa Zaja, who received the award in Washington DC has been selected as one of four women worldwide for the Women Building Peace Award 2023 by the US Institute of Peace, acknowledging her efforts in empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities.

The Coast Association for Persons with Disabilities Executive Director, originally from Majengo, a diverse neighbourhood in Mvita Sub-County triumphed over adversity to become a peace advocate.

Describing her community as prone to conflict, she began her work in 2005, focusing on empowering women, youth, and individuals with disabilities.

Notably, she played a pivotal role in resolving a fatal tribal dispute in neighbouring Tana River County in 2012, which resulted in over 100 casualties.

“My focus is on implementing practical initiatives aimed at empowering individuals by introducing income-generating projects that positively impact their livelihoods,” she said.

Zaja established a resource centre in Majengo, where over 1,500 youths, women, and individuals with disabilities receive various skills annually.

She focuses on turning individuals from low productivity into valuable members of society.

“They emerge with diverse life skills to enhance their livelihoods," she explained.

Zaja emphasised the importance of being a person of value, with focus and the ability to create and sustain peace.

She noted that conflict arises when hope is lost but asserted her role in instilling hope for a brighter future.

Additionally, she expressed gratitude for the award, highlighting its significance for peace-builders in Kenya, particularly women and individuals with disabilities.

Zaja also saw the award as a symbol of Kenya's recognition for its pursuit of peace, advocating for the nation to serve as a model for others amidst global conflicts.

US Institue of Peace, established by Congress, collaborates with local partners to prevent, reduce, and resolve violent conflicts. It collaborates with governments and civil societies to enhance local conflict management capabilities.

The institute integrates research, policy, training, analysis, and direct action to support advocates of peace globally.

Annually, it honours a female peacebuilder who significantly contributes to conflict prevention, violence reduction, and peacebuilding in her nation.

This year, over 150 nominations from 42 countries were received for the award. The finalists, selected by the USIP's Women Building Peace Council, include Dr. Marie-Marcelle Deschamps from Haiti, Abir Ibrahim from Syria, Petronille Vaweka from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Hamisa Zaja from Kenya.