In its unwavering commitment towards women empowerment, peace and security in Africa, the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM-MIPREDA) in a collaborative effort with the African Union organised a Capacity-Building program for Women’s Participation in Conflict Prevention, Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy. This significant event took place in Abuja, Nigeria, from 17-19 December, 2024.

In her keynote statement, the First Lady of the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and the Vice President of AFLPM-MIPREDA Her Excellency, Mrs. Fatima Vila Nova, said only when the world truly understands that women’s rights are human rights will we see the development and security gains that the world desperately needs.

Her Excellency Vila Nova who represented the leadership of AFLPM-MIPREDA, stated that through the capacity building program, AFLPM is committed to continuing to work closely with national institutions, international partners and civil society to drive progress in women, peace and security, supporting women, highlighting their vital work and amplifying their voices.

Her Excellency Mrs. Vila Nova urged us to unite and launch ourselves behind this initiative which see the Women, Peace and Security agenda as one of our best hopes for a more peaceful future and a livable planet.

Key participants were the members of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarian Association (ECOFEPA), women representatives from the Borno State Government and civil society organizations such as Borno Women Development Initiative, Northeast Youth Initiative Forum, Taimako Community Development Initiative, and the Innovative Child Care and Women Empowerment Initiative and staff members of the AFLPM-MIPREDA’s Secretariat.

In her keynote address, the President of ECOWAS Female Parliamentarian Association (ECOFEPA), Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, represented by the Secretary-General of ECOFEPA, Hon. Maimuna Ceesay, urged countries in the continent to leverage on women for the prevention of conflict. She noted that conflict can be prevented by noticing the problems we are encountering within the society. She therefore advised that women should be given a chance to be where decision-making are because they are good negotiators and are determined. Women’s determination play a vital role in their ability to deliver. She further advised that parties in conflict can be reached through intervention forums.

The Gender Peace and Security Coordinator for the African Union Commission, Ms. Nadia Roguiai, stressed that governments, international and regional organisations, and civil societies must work together to dismantle barriers that prevent women from taking leadership roles.

Ms. Roguiai said that working with the African First Ladies Peace Mission and the ECOFEPA, is an opportunity for us to see how we can push and mobilise key stakeholders, such as parliamentarians and African First Ladies to address the issue at a high level and how we can ensure that women in the future are taken into consideration, becoming mediators and peace builders.

AFLPM-MIPREDA’s Chief of Operations and Administration, Dr. Bakut T. Bakut briefed attendees about AFLPM-MIPREDA’s mission, objectives and strategic plans for the future. He extended the appreciation and apologies of Her Excellencies Dr. Mrs. Aisha M. Buhari (Chairperson of the Honorary Advisory Council-AFLPM-MIPREDA), Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia and President of AFLPM-MIPREDA, and Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, Immediate Former Vice President of Liberia and the Secretary-General of AFLPM-MIPREDA for their unavoidable absence.

The three-day program concluded with the awarding of certificates, symbolising the dedication of all participants to continue advocating for women’s involvement in peace processes and a group visit to the Peace Mission, headquarters of the African First Ladies Peace Mission.

AFLPM_MIPREDA wishes to felicitate with all Muslim faithful across the world, as you mark with reverence the birth of the Holy Prophet Mouhammed(PBUH)

May this day serve as a reminder to serve Allah faithfully through his teachings and to live a life of peace, love and joy.

On August 5, 2024, The African First Ladies Peace Mission and the Mediation Training Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a partnership to promote peace and harmonious coexistence across Africa through professional training and certification of women leaders in various African communities.

In her virtual welcome remarks, H.E Mrs. Fatima Vila Nova, First Lady of the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and Vice President of AFLPM-MIPREDA emphasized that peace is an achievable goal through cooperative and collective actions.
In her official statement, the First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia and President of AFLPM-MIPREDA, H.E Fatoumatta Bah Barrow highlighted the crucial role of women in mediation and peacebuilding, noting that inclusive participation leads to more effective peaceful outcomes. Her Excellency’s statement was read by AFLPM’s Head of Communication and Visibility Ms. Jerrilyn Mulbah

The Former President of the Republic of Malawi and AFLPM’s Honorary Advisory Council Member H.E Madam Joyce Banda encouraged women leaders to take advantage of the training through the partnership to elevate and reclaim African women’s role in ensuring a peaceful and development-oriented Africa.
The Secretary-General of AFLPM-MIPREDA Dr. Jewel Howard–Taylor  stressed the need for increased peacebuilding initiatives and collaboration with peacebuilding organisations to train and transform mindsets for peaceful coexistence at all levels across Africa.

MTI’s President Amb. Segun Ogunyanwo expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to promote harmony throughout Africa.
The signing ceremony had in attendance past and present officials of government, civil society organizations, and Regional and International representatives from UNDP, ECOFEPA, NOPSWECO, ICMC, SPSP, Africa Advancement Forum, Africa Women Impact Summit, National Youth Impact Summit, etc. Each speaker commended the partnership and expressed their willingness to support  AFLPM-MIPREDA and MTI- Nigeria to ensure lasting peace and peacebuilding initiatives across Africa.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Secretary General H.E Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor a former First Lady of Liberia and the immediate Former Vice President of Liberia and  witnessed by the Chief of Operations and Administration Dr. Bakut T. Bakut on behalf of the African First Ladies Peace Mission.

The African First Ladies Peace Mission wishes its esteemed members and women all over the world Happy International Women’s Day. We honour those who are paving the way for women empowerment and representation. Together we must continue to work towards investing in women rights issues and finding lasting solution to ending poverty.