In line with the mandate of the African Union Peace and Security Council on the importance of tracking the effective implementation of the Women Peace and Security Agenda by member states through the Continental Result Framework designed by the Office of the Special Envoy. The Office launched the 2020 report on the implementation of Resolution 1325 by African Union member states on the 22nd and 23rd of September 2021. The objective of the launch was to disseminate the 2020 report compiled and drafted by the Office of the Special Envoy and to exchange best practices on monitoring and reporting on the WPS agenda. High-level representation from African Union member states, the United Nations, ECOWAS, ICGLR, Civil Society Organizations, and Gender Networks.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat praised the Special Envoy for developing the CFR and commended member states that submitted their reports on how they have successfully implemented the WPS agenda in their respective countries. He urged member states to increase their efforts in ensuring the guns are silenced in Africa.
HE Bineta Diop commended member states and delegates for their continued support stating that Africa is leading in the development of NAPs globally and highlighted the importance of establishing adequate mechanisms for effective implementation of the CRF. In her speech, she also emphasized the importance of member states taking ownership and leadership of the funding of the WPS agenda. The Special Envoy recognized the RECs, Centres of Excellence, Civil Society, and WPS Women’s Groups for their continued support in pushing the WPS Agenda forward.
The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, H.E Ambassador Bankole congratulated member states for successfully reporting the status of the WPS agenda through the CRF and urged member states to prioritize the Women Peace and Security Agenda in their respective countries.
The launch of the report gave an in-depth understanding of the status of Women Peace and Security on the continent and the role of the African Union in effectively implementing the agenda. Recommendations given were centered on the need to adequately empower women to actively participate in peacebuilding and peace management. It was also stressed that the WPS agenda must be anchored through a Human Rights-Based Approach. Issues on economic empowerment of women were mentioned and member states were called on encouraging financial inclusion of women and developing adequate mechanisms that improve the financial status of women.
