The African Center for Strategic Studies hosted a webinar in conversation with the Special Envoy of the AUC Chairperson on Women Peace and Security on the theme: A discussion on Gender and Security with Her Excellency Mme Bineta Diop. This event was held on the 6th of May 2021. The Special Envoy discussed her mandate and her agenda since she took over her position which is to be a voice to the most vulnerable and support AU member states in the implementation of the WPS Agenda and the need for women to be at the epicenter of peace processes. The SE further spoke of the development of NAPs, RAPs, and the Continental Result Framework, as well as the various pillars the African Union is working on against violence against women and girls. The SE discussed the role and impact of the African Women Leadership Network (AWLN) in pushing the agenda of more women in leadership positions and the impact of AWLN in organizing solidarity Missions in countries riddled by conflict, and its role in preparing younger women for leadership positions. The SE touched on the impact of COVID 19 on women and security globally and she further informed the audience of the role of AWLN in creating an impact fund through the UN Economic Commission for Africa, with the aim to strengthen the economic empowerment of women. The Envoy further, shared her thoughts on how resolution 1325 can be advanced through the inclusion of women in peace processes.
The event was an opportunity to explore the crucial intersection between gender and security. Participants such as alumni of the Africa Centre Program, experts on Women’s Peace and Security were in attendance.
