The Royal Norwegian Embassy and UN Women have launched the third phase of the “She Leads Peace” project, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda in Mozambique.

Backed by a $2.3 million grant from Norway, the initiative will strengthen the role of women and girls in peacebuilding across provinces affected by conflict and crisis.

The project will be implemented in 14 districts across Cabo Delgado and Nampula in the north, and Manica and Sofala in central Mozambique. It aims to directly benefit 11,000 people and reach an additional 60,000 through indirect engagement. Over the next two years, She Leads Peace will promote women’s leadership in peace, security, and recovery processes, with a strong focus on community-level change and institutional support.

Peace Through Inclusion

Sissel Idland, Minister Counsellor at the Norwegian Embassy in Mozambique, described the project as a reflection of a shared vision between Norway and UN Women.

“This project reflects our common commitment to peace, equality and the empowerment of women and girls,” Idland said at the launch in Maputo.

“We want them to be protected in times of crisis, but also supported to lead recovery efforts and shape the future.”

Mozambique continues to face overlapping challenges, including armed conflict, mass displacement, climate shocks and political instability. In this context, Idland praised the resilience and leadership of Mozambican women who, even under difficult circumstances, are resolving conflicts, supporting their communities, and leading local recovery.

“This project recognises and invests in that leadership. We believe there can be no lasting solutions without women,” she affirmed.

The third phase of She Leads Peace builds on earlier efforts funded by Norway that supported women peacebuilders and grassroots organisations. It will expand opportunities for women’s leadership, improve economic security, and strengthen partnerships with local actors and institutions.

The initiative will also engage traditional leaders and public institutions to challenge harmful gender norms and ensure women’s voices are heard in decision-making spaces.

Building on Results, Responding to Ongoing Challenges

Marie Laetitia Kayisire, UN Women Representative in Mozambique, highlighted both the progress made and the challenges that persist in implementing the WPS Agenda.

“We gather here today to renew and celebrate our commitment to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda — a crucial agenda for sustainable peace and gender justice,” she said.

She acknowledged advances in Mozambique, including:

• Adoption of the country’s first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2018–2022), and the completion of a second plan (2025–2029), now awaiting approval;
• Capacity building of government and civil society actors, especially women-led organisations;
• The development of a robust national network of Women Peace Sentinels and Peace Champions who work on the frontlines of conflict prevention and community peacebuilding;
• Advocacy campaigns ahead of the 2024 elections, reaching 5.6 million people and amplifying women’s political voice;
• Psychosocial healing and socio-economic recovery programmes that have supported over 10,000 women and girls.

Despite these gains, Kayisire warned that gender inequality remains a persistent barrier.

“While women are often the most affected by crises, they are also powerful agents of change. Initiatives like the Peace Champions and Sentinels show that Mozambican women are already leading, innovating, and building peace — they just need the right support.”

A Strategic, Inclusive Partnership

The new phase of the project aligns with both Norway’s Africa Strategy, which prioritises inclusive governance and local peacebuilding, and its National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2023–2030), which also reflects UN Women’s global commitment to gender equality in peace processes.

“She Leads Peace” will offer leadership and advocacy training, legal and psychosocial services, vocational skills development, and grants to help women launch small businesses and community initiatives. These interventions aim to not only address the effects of conflict but also to position women as key actors in shaping recovery and long-term stability.

“Peace is more sustainable when women are actively involved in its construction,” read a joint press release distributed at the launch. “Across the country, women are already resolving conflicts, supporting their communities, and helping others heal. With the right support, their impact can be even greater.”

The initiative, stakeholders agreed, represents a timely and essential investment in a more peaceful, inclusive, and equitable future for Mozambique.