EASSI will be holding a three day training of trainers’ workshop on Gender, Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) from 15th to 17th September 2008 in Bujumbura, Burundi. The major goal of this training is to contribute to improved knowledge of women and men on the gender dimensions of SALW in Eastern Africa. As a long term output, the training will contribute towards equity and accountability in policy formulation and implementation on SALW issues in East Africa taking into account the rights and needs of women. EASSI invites you to take part in this training as a stakeholder in the process of Small Arms and Light Weapons in East Africa.
EASSI has risen among CSOs in East Africa to develop linkages with the regional bodies working on SALW and conflict issues such as the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) in Nairobi and the Great Lakes Initiative on Peace and Conflict through their Kampala Office. EASSI is also a member of EAANSA. EASSI’s acceptance into the SALW ‘family’ was based on the added value it would bring on board with regard gender dimensions of SALW. One of the recognition of EASSI’s value in this respect has been various invitations extended to EASSI by RECSA to participate in its civil society deliberations as well as ministerial meetings as an observer. One of the invitations was for EASSI to present a paper on the gender dimensions of SALW
at a CSO consultation in December 2005 in Nairobi, Kenya.
EASSI has further conducted a gender analysis of the National Action Plans (NAPs) of SALW of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and developed gender mainstreaming guidelines on behalf of the EAC.
