Womankind Kenya seeks to enhance peace and stability, and strengthen social and economic dynamics, between communities from Holugho and Kulbiyo in Kenya and Somalia respectively.
The NGO focuses on strengthening the effectiveness of national responses to insecurity along the border, supporting local conflict resolution and management structures.
Osman Yahye, from Woman kind awho is leading the Deris wanag project./STEPHEN ASTARIKOA programme dubbed ‘Deris wanag’- meaning (good neighbourliness) in the Somali
dialect is proving to be a game changer as far as security is concerned in the
border town of Holugho.The programme that has
been ongoing for the last one year is being spearheaded by Womankind
Kenya, a non governmental organisation.Womankind Kenya seeks to enhance peace
and stability, and strengthen social and economic dynamics, between communities
from Holugho and Kulbiyo in Kenya and Somalia respectively.The NGO focuses on
strengthening the effectiveness of national responses to insecurity along the
border, supporting local conflict resolution and management structures, and
building individual and community resilience to the influence of violent
extremist actors.Holugho is one of the towns in Garissa that has bore the brunt of insecurity with the al Shabaab militants having a field day
in carrying out attacks before disappearing to Kulbiyo.Part of the reason that led to the increased attacks
was the mistrust that existed between the security apparatus and
community membersfrom both sides.However things have changed for the better for the
last one year since the programe come into place with incidences or terror
attacks,enforced disappearance and
extra judicial killings becoming a thing of the past.In an interview, Osman Yahye, Womankind's Deris wanag project lead said that the
project’s main objective is to enhance the relationship between the security
personnel and the community along the boarder line communities.“As you know previously there was a lot of mistrust
between the security apparatus and the residents. There was complete lack of
information sharing. But for the last one year we have managed to strengthen that
coordination,” he said.A group of women during a peace meeting organized by womankind
kenya through the Deris wanag programme/STEPHEN ASTARIKO He said the term ‘Deris Wanag illustrates the shared
interest between governments, sub-national administrations and communities
across the border areas to enhance peace and stability for the common good of
the two countries and their citizens.He further disclosed that they have deliberately
decided to include more women and youth in the project, noting that before they
were excluded, something that proved counterproductive.“Previously there was cross border tensions among the
communities who are living in the border lines either through resource based
conflict, political, economic or social conflict or violent extremism but we have
managed to reduce these tensions by bring together the cross border communities
as well as government authorities along the border line,” he said.Abdirahman Yussuf, a senior administrator and a
resident of Holugho said the project has impacted the residents hugely as
far as security is concerned.Hani Hassan a youth from Holugho/STEPHEN ASTARIKO
“This project has in a big way helped in enhancing
relationship between community members and the security apparatus from the two
sides. The elders, youth, women can now interact freely with the security
apparatus and share actionable information without fear,” he said.
He noted that they would wish to see the project continue so that the security gains are not erased.
“My request to partners who have been instrumental in
ensuring this project is a success is to please extend it so that our people
can continue enjoying the peace and tranquility that has been brought about by
this project,” he said.
Noor Bashir, a member of the Garissa paralegal network
said that since its inception, the project has enhanced security stability.
“Initially cases of extrajudicial killings, enforced
disappearance and brutality meted on residents by the security apparatus were
the order of the day. Hardly a day would pass without an incident being
reported. But since this project started began that the vices have ceased,” he said.
He said that community dialogue which also involves
the security apparatus have become a common.
He further disclosed that the good neighbourliness has
also brought economic benefit to residents from both sides.
“Initially we were literary landlocked and could not
move or get services from Kolbiyo which
is our nearest town and they could also not get the same from us. This really affected residents from both
sides,” he said.
He further disclosed that unlike before when women
were not allowed anywhere near the decision making table things have changed, thanks to the many meetings, training and capacity
building with the elders.
Hani Hassan, a youth from
Holugho commended the programme saying that unlike before
when women were restricted to the kitchen, they now know
that they equally have a role to play in matters security.
“Initially majority of girls and womens' rights were being abused but not anymore. Right now it doesn’t matter whether one is illiterate or educated because we
all know our rights as enshrined in the constitution," she said.
"This has really lifted us and improved our
self esteem because we can now speak out when we think somebody
is out to deny us our rights."
Osman Yahye, from Woman kind awho is leading the Deris wanag project./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
A group of women during a peace meeting organized by womankind
kenya through the Deris wanag programme/STEPHEN ASTARIKO 
Hani Hassan a youth from Holugho/STEPHEN ASTARIKO 
