Study on Women Peace and Security data and capacity gaps in IGAD countries

This synthesis report is the result of a colalbroation between Un Women East and Southern Africa Regionla office and IGAD. It examines Women, Peace and Security (WPS) data systems across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, consolidating country assessments to pinpoint gaps that undermine monitoring, reporting and implementation of UNSCR 1325’s four pillars—Participation, Prevention, Protection, and Relief & Recovery. Despite progress—most notably the development of National Action Plans (NAPs) and varying degrees of alignment with African Union (AU) and IGAD frameworks—persistent weaknesses remain in data availability, quality, comparability and institutional capacity. Kenya and South Sudan show stronger indicator alignment; Uganda and Somalia demonstrate relatively higher reporting across pillars; Ethiopia lacks an approved NAP; Djibouti and Sudan have expired plans or limited reporting.

Cross cutting constraints include under resourced national statistics offices, fragmented administrative data, weak integration of WPS indicators into government work plans, irregular reporting cycles, and limited inter agency coordination. Citizen generated and “big data” sources are noted but underutilized due to methodological and governance gaps. Climatic shocks, protracted conflicts, displacement and gender based violence further complicate the operating context, increasing demand for timely, disaggregated, gender sensitive evidence. 

The report calls for harmonized indicator frameworks across national, regional and international levels; sustainable financing; strengthened institutions and coordination mechanisms (including steering committees and secretariats); and explicit mandates for national statistics offices to lead WPS data production and integration. Practical measures include seconding statisticians to WPS coordination bodies, embedding WPS indicators in national databases and planning/budget cycles, building technical capacity for collection and analysis, and establishing continuous monitoring and evaluation at outcome and impact levels. Coordinated, evidence driven approaches are essential to ensure the meaningful participation, protection and empowerment of women and girls in peace and security processes across the IGAD region.