From Where I Stand: I would like women to be on the top, especially in matters of peace

Prior to the initiation of this project between UN Women and HURIA, women in Matuga faced considerable exposure to gender-based violence and lacked confidence in their ability to address community challenges. Most had limited experience and lacked entrepreneurial skills. Their mindsets had been conditioned such that they doubted their capacity to contribute meaningfully within the community. 
There have been significant changes and, from my experience, I can attest to their magnitude. Most women have gained confidence to voice their grievances publicly. When our county holds engagements, we often have more female participants than male, so we must carefully balance representation. Women have greatly assisted us in countering violent extremism, especially at the grassroots level. They are often home with youth who may be at risk of radicalization, so valuable intelligence is frequently shared first by women. I believe we have come a long way. In the past, open discussion of such issues in communities was not possible, but thanks to partners like HURIA who support our efforts, that has changed. We regularly collaborate to investigate and act on all reports received.
I think I would like women to stand out. I would like women to be on the top, especially in matters peace because even in a family setup when there is a challenge it is normally the women who will try to find a solution. I would like to see women coming out in large numbers to advocate for peace within our country. 
Halima Hassan serves as Assistant County Commissioner of Matuga sub-county in Kwale County, Kenya. She works towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 in close partnership with various levels of the county's peace infrastructure. The goal is to promote women's role in peace and security as well as implement the county action plan on UNSCR 1325. UN Women Kenya, through partner organization Human Rights Agenda (HURIA), is undertaking a project within the county on Advancing Women in Political Leadership. The project focuses on Preventing Violent Extremism and localizing the Kwale County Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security. These efforts are supported by the Embassy of Finland in Kenya.

Halima Hassan serves as Assistant County Commissioner of Matuga sub-county in Kwale County, Kenya. She works towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 in close partnership with various levels of the county's peace infrastructure. The goal is to promote women's role in peace and security as well as implement the county action plan on UNSCR 1325. UN Women Kenya, through partner organization Human Rights Agenda (HURIA), is undertaking a project within the county on Advancing Women in Political Leadership. The project focuses on Preventing Violent Extremism and localizing the Kwale County Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security. These efforts are supported by the Embassy of Finland in Kenya.