On 27 March, the United Nations Office to the African Union participated in a webinar organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with the UN Women Liaison Office to the African Union and UNECA and the Office of the African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security.
The webinar brought together diplomats, policymakers, practitioners and representatives of international and regional organizations to examine inclusive peace in practice, with a focus on women’s leadership in peace processes, access to justice and gender responsive security institutions in Africa.
Discussions highlighted that women’s leadership in peace and security must be grounded in rights, justice and meaningful participation in decision making. Participants noted that, despite strong continental frameworks, significant gaps remain in implementation, particularly in women’s participation in peace negotiations and access to justice. They also underscored the importance of addressing structural inequalities, strengthening accountability and building trust in security institutions.
UNOAU highlighted that work on Women, Peace and Security is anchored in the UN-AU Joint Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security and in collaboration with key African Union bodies. It also underscored the importance of increasing the deployment of women in policing and peace operations, noting their contribution to improving access to justice and strengthening community trust.
The webinar concluded with a shared call for stronger national action, practical implementation and sustained AU-UN cooperation to advance inclusive peace and security across Africa.
