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Women are often among those most affected by conflict, but they are also among the most active in preventing violence, mediating disputes and rebuilding trust. They can be among the most active when there is space/opportunity for them to meaningfully engage. That space is constricted by cultural, social, and economic barriers, which is in part, the argument for the projects to support women, peace and security. In Western Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria, the project strengthens women’s participation and leadership in peacebuilding by expanding opportunities for meaningful engagement and supporting their economic resilience.  The 36-month project was launched in Wau on 12 August, bringing together government representatives, women and youth leaders, civil society, community actors and United Nations partners. Implemented by UN Women and UNESCO, with support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund and the African Development Bank, the project seeks to strengthen women’s leadership and influence in peacebuilding while expanding opportunities for women and young women to build sustainable livelihoods.The project responds to peacebuilding challenges affecting communities across the two states, including localized conflict, competition over land and natural resources, displacement, economic hardship and climate-related pressures. By addressing these challenges, the project contributes to Priority One of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework: consolidation of peace and transparent, accountable and inclusive governance. “Achieving lasting peace requires cooperation, trust, and collective action. Let us work together, support one another, and strengthen our commitment to peacebuilding efforts across Western Bahr el Ghazal,” said Hon. Monica Louis Myiyu, State Minister for Peacebuilding, during the official project launch.“Peace is built in our homes, our villages and our communities. It is built through dialogue, trust and cooperation, and when women, men, young people, government and community leaders work together towards a common purpose,” said Ms. Delphine Serumaga, UN Women Country Representative, during the launch.For young people, the project also offers opportunities to contribute to stronger and more peaceful communities. Baranado, one of the participants, noted that the project can strengthen social cohesion and encourage young people to work together. The economic component, he added, can provide constructive opportunities for youth and reduce their exposure to harmful activities.“I encourage fellow young people to make the most of this opportunity,” he said.Linking Leadership with Economic ResilienceThe project recognizes that economic resilience can strengthen women’s ability to participate in peacebuilding and decision-making.Women and young women will receive support in entrepreneurship, business development and livelihoods, alongside opportunities to strengthen Village Savings and Loan Associations and improve access to financial services and markets.At the same time, women peacebuilders and women-led organizations will strengthen their leadership, mediation, negotiation and advocacy skills, enabling them to engage more effectively in local peace structures, early warning and conflict prevention.Community dialogues and reconciliation activities will bring together women, youth, traditional leaders, men and other community actors to promote trust, cooperation and more inclusive approaches to peacebuilding.Building Peace That LastsSustainability is central to the project. Rather than creating parallel systems, it will strengthen existing community peace structures, local institutions and partnerships so that communities can continue building peace beyond the project's 36-month implementation period.“Rather than creating parallel systems, the project will strengthen existing community peace structures, build the capacity of local institutions and community actors, and foster partnerships that will continue serving communities long after the project has ended,” Ms. Serumaga said.She called on communities to take ownership of the project and play an active role in ensuring its success.“This project is for you, and its success depends on your ownership, your trust and your active participation.” Over the next three years, the project aims to contribute to stronger women and youth leaders, more resilient livelihoods, inclusive community peace structures and greater trust among communities.By strengthening women’s leadership, economic resilience and meaningful participation, the project is helping communities across Western Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria build stronger foundations for inclusive, locally owned and sustainable peace, advancing South Sudan’s broader efforts towards peace consolidation and transparent, accountable and inclusive governance.