Peace and Security
Promoting peace and security through dialogue and shared action
Tostan’s Peace and Security (P&S) module works to strengthen and support a grassroots strategy of community-led development to improve peace and security in the West Africa region. It focuses on building ways to overcome barriers that limit an individual’s ability to develop through collaboration at the local, regional and national level.
Communities have completed our Peace & Security module
Religious leaders trained on peace and security
People trained on conflict prevention and resolution techniques
What's at Stake
In 2013, hundreds of West African communities voiced growing concerns about insecurity, terrorism, and violent extremism. In response, Tostan developed and piloted the Peace and Security Module to support communities strengthen their resilience and prevent conflict through peaceful and inclusive dialogue. The module provides tools and knowledge that enable communities to lead their own peacebuilding processes, reduce tensions, and promote stability across regions.
What We're Doing
Within the Peace & Security Module, local facilitators are trained to deliver 21 sessions, in local languages, taking the community (men, women and children), Community Management Committee (CMC) members and religious leaders through carefully crafted session plans. Within these session plans, they review their current community vision, their understanding of human rights frameworks and social norms, while introducing the elements of peace and human security. Participants are guided through practical sessions that explore the importance of dialogue in conflict management, the essential role of women in conflict prevention and successful mediation techniques. Together participants develop an action plan for the promotion of peace and human security in their community.
To ensure a sustainable and systematic approach to conflict management, a dedicated community Peace Commission is established and embedded within each CMC to prevent, manage and mediate conflicts at the family, community and intercommunity level. Each Peace Commission develops action plans to ensure that conflict is managed and resolved and works to operationalize them.
Once community members have finished their sessions, they conduct ‘social mobilization’ activities by reaching out to their own and neighboring communities. They share their new knowledge and motivate others to promote peace in their own areas. Today, the P&S Module is active in Mali, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia, where communities continue to lead local peacebuilding efforts and strengthen social cohesion.
Impact and sustainability
The Peace & Security Module supports communities to move from managing conflict to building peace. Dialogue has replaced confrontation in many areas, and women now play a stronger role in mediation and decision-making. Community Peace Commissions remain active long after the sessions end, ensuring that peaceful solutions become part of everyday life.