Statement of the African Union

The first entails establishing a network of African women mediators to contribute to the search for a peaceful resolution of conflicts on the continent and to support communities in their peacebuilding efforts.

The second area of focus deals with changing the narratives on women to recognize their role in peacebuilding, through mobilization of a network of journalists, reporters and bloggers who are committed to reporting in a gender-responsive manner on issues of women and peace and security — not just by telling stories of victimization but also those of women’s leadership and of women as positive agents for social change and economic transformation.

The fourth area entails launching a network of centres of excellence in various regions of the continent to work on women and peace and security issues, with a view to sustainable and broad strengthening of women’s capacities in peacebuilding, thus ensuring the availability of women’s expertise in that area.

In conclusion, I wish to reiterate the African Union Commission’s commitment and action towards the advancement of the women and peace and security agenda. An annual report will be submitted to the African Union Peace and Security Council, and subsequently shared with the United Nations Security Council. For the African Union Commission, the Africa we want is an Africa where all daughters and sons of the continent are equal, enjoy the same rights and obligations and participate equally in building a stable and just society. Women must be fully part and parcel of that endeavour and of Africa’s transformative agenda.