Statement of African Union on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015

Starting with the leadership of its own paramount continental institution, Africa adopted the principle of parity and acted on it. Out of the ten members of the Executive of the Commission, Five are women. The chairperson has continued to strengthen the participation of women by appointing recently a woman as the Secretary General of the Commission, as well as her Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff.

Africa has decided to have women at the center of its agenda. In 2014 our leaders adopted an ambitious agenda aiming to bring peace and prosperity in Africa, Agenda 2063. It is unique in its approach as it translates the aspirations of our people "THE AFRICA WE WANT' in the 50 years to come. Agenda 2063 is a people's centered development. In its aspiration 6, Agenda 2063 aims to ensure that all forms of violence against women are eliminated and that women are fully empowered to contribute to a people-driven Africa. The 53 Member States have declared 2015 the year of women empowerment and 2016 the year of women human rights. No doubt that the women agenda is absolutely necessary to achieve peace.