ACCORD remains committed to strengthening mediation capacities of women as well as to enhancing participation of women in peace processes. To this end, ACCORD participated in the Executive Steering Committee of the Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FemWise-Africa) organised by the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 29th May 2018. ACCORD was represented by Mrs Pravina Makan-Lakha, General Manager of Business Development; and Ms Irene Limo, Coordinator of the Peacemaking Unit.
The role of women in conflict resolution remains marginal despite several resolutions, such as United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and continental commitments made to increase women’s participation in mediation and peace processes. The FemWise-Africa Network thus provides a platform for strategic advocacy, capacity building and networking aimed at enhancing the implementation of the commitments for women’s inclusion in peacemaking in Africa.
There is no doubt that women should take an integral part in decision-making throughout the peace process. To achieve this, there is need to increase women’s access to and participation in peace mediation and negotiation in Africa. The Executive Steering Committee thus discussed the possible initiatives for the Network in 2018 seeking to strengthening women’s role in mediation in Africa.
For peace initiatives to remain sustainable in the long-term, women must be included in every level of the process, ACCORD remains committed to supporting the AU and regional organisations in increasing effective participation of women in peacemaking.
