EMPOWERING WOMEN: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT FOR PEACE AND SECURITY IN AFRICA

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.