Report on the AD-HOC experts group meeting on leadership forum on women and peace

Abstract

The paper discussed, in particular, African women's peace efforts and peace initiatives, most of which had remained unpublicized and unrecognized, since women were rarely consulted or involved in decision-making matters relating to conflict prevention or resolution. The paper argued why, and suggested how, women should be involved in the peace processes in Africa. The paper looked at the ways armed conflicts in Africa had affected women who were the largest number of victims both in terms of numbers and in suffering and as refugees and displaced persons. It also looked at women's participation in the armed struggle for the Liberation of their countries and against racism and apartheid for which many of them had lost their lives and others had languished imprison. In midst of all these sufferings, women continued to work for peace through various means.