AU Commission Chairperson Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security boldly demands women's peace and security in Africa

The AU Commission Chairperson Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security Mme Bineta Diop was the first to present a statement demanding protective measures for all women and children in conflict in Africa at the just commenced African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) Open Session in Addis Ababa today. She noted the tremendous efforts made so far by African Heads of Government in adopting laws and polices. She however bemoaned the slow implementation and seemingly lack of political will to translate legislation into action. Sixteen countries have adopted national action plans on women, peace and security and two regional bodies, The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Great Lakes Region have also adopted same. She called on accelerated implementation of these action plans to translate them into peace and security on all fronts for women. Since her appointment into office, the Special Envoy has been investigating the impact of conflict on women and children, and has undertaken solidarity visits to conflict prone countries together with the Executive Director of UN Women, MME Phumzile Ngcuka-Mlambo. Together they noted that the situation of women can only be described as inhuman and degrading. Women need support of the AU to strengthen the efforts of their respective governments to end impunity and violence, both during conflict and during preparations for elections. She applauded the work of AMISOM in Somalia, but still called for more efforts for protection of women in different parts of the continent. Mme Diop highlighted the need to instigate allegations of sexual abuse of women and girls, and referred to the devastating strategy of Boko Haram to kidnap girls and deny them education and the right to live in safety and to contribute to meaningful development of their country. \"The growing phenomenon of terrorism, extremism and radicalization targeting women and girls will only hamper the development of the continent, hence the need to come together to holistically address this challenge.\" Over the two days the Special Envoy held consultations with civil society groups, some of whom are helping her implement her mandate on women, peace and security. Together they came up with strong statements on issues of women's peace and security in the DRC, Somalia, South Sudan and Nigeria. The statements will be presented to the PSC today. Mme Diop recognised the full support of the chairperson Mme Nkosazana Dhlamini-Zuma in implementing her mandate. A film of Mme Diop's solidarity visit to conflict affected countries was screened in the meeting.