Participation

The participation of women continues to be inadequate in peace negotiations in Africa and in other regions of the world. It is uncontestable that women are the most credible spokespeople for expressing the needs of local communities. They inspire the greatest degree of trust in situations that require the collection of information and testimony from the victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

The number of women in special political missions on the ground, especially in leadership positions, remains very limited, and the need for the greater participation of women persists, particularly in all mechanisms related to peace processes and postconflict reconstruction. The primary responsibility for involving women in those processes falls upon the shoulders of the African States themselves.

Men and women continue to suffer without distinction the most serious violations of human rights. However, it is women and children who suffer from that extreme violence in a singular and disproportionate manner. In that context, women are subjected to cruel and inhuman treatment, causing them great suffering.

When women actively participate at all levels of political decision-making, we know that we are all safer, that our efforts at peacebuilding are stronger and that around the world Constitutions and peace agreements are more inclusive, just and lasting. But women in Africa continue to face, and to overcome, systemic obstacles to their political participation at all levels of decision-making.