The Centre for Women, Peace and Security Activist in Residence programme provides three-month funded placements at LSE for activists, local leaders and practitioners working on the front line of women’s empowerment and human rights.
Through a tailored plan of engagement, the programme aims to enhance the capacity of individuals, groups and organisations to protect and promote women’s rights, and be catalysts for change.
The programme was launched in March 2016, inviting applications from women and men working in conflict-affected areas around the world. From more than 750 applications, six women were selected as the first Activists in Residence. They are working on areas such as addressing sexual and gender-based violence in conflict, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, local efforts to enhance women’s security or ensure women’s active and effective participation in processes for conflict prevention, management and resolution. The six selected activists come from Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Yemen, Uganda and Colombia. They are leaders in their fields - grassroots human rights defenders, development practitioners, feminist activists and peace negotiators.
Each activist spends three months at the Centre for Women, Peace and Security. They undertake their own work and have the opportunity to connect with scholars and policy-makers both to learn, as well as share their knowledge and experience to inform public debate and policy around women, peace and security.
Activists in Residence are supported in progressing and promoting their work by specific outreach activities including public events, and policy development and knowledge exchange workshops. Activists also have the time to pursue their own interests, to engage with LSE life and to benefit from a period of reflection and respite.
Beyond the period of the residency, the Centre for Women, Peace and Security intends to maintain relationships with individual activists and their home organisations, both evaluating the impact of the programme and identifying opportunities for ongoing partnerships. With close evaluation and additional funding we hope to develop a community of Activists in Residence, and build a network of connected organisations to achieve positive change for women in conflict-affected situations.
The Activist in Residence programme is supported by the Fondation Internationale pour les Défenseurs des Droits de L’Homme.