Women in Security in ​Africa Conference: Promoting Collaboration ⁣and Gender Inclusion

The Novotel hotel in Cotonou is hosting‌ a conference on Women in Security in ‌Africa between September 4 and 5, 2024. It is organized by the US Embassy in partnership⁤ with the Special‌ Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA).

Political decision-makers, military leaders, and representatives of women’s ⁣organizations are ​participating in Cotonou, in the 2024 ‌edition of the Women in Security-Africa Conference. Its aim is to promote collaboration, ⁣include gender in security strategies, and strengthen the implementation‍ of the Women, Peace⁢ and Security (WPS) agenda​ throughout the region.

The adoption of UN Security Council​ Resolution 1325 in October 2000 established the global agenda ⁢on Women, Peace and Security. This resolution recognized​ the ‌vital role of women in conflict prevention, peace building, and international ‌security. According to the Ambassador‌ of the United States of⁤ America to Benin, Brian Shukan, “The principles of Women,⁣ Peace and Security provide a framework for governments, international organizations, and ‌civil society to⁢ work together to‌ eliminate discriminatory practices and ‌promote women’s leadership in peace and security”.

In⁤ Benin, the United States is leading several initiatives for gender equality and women’s empowerment. “We are also trying to advance the WPS agenda in Benin by ensuring that women are represented in our security cooperation ⁤efforts. This is particularly important as we face the ⁣growing‌ threat of violent extremism in northern ‍Benin,” said Ambassador Brian Shukan.

Strengthening Women’s Participation in Peace and Security Processes

For the⁢ Honorable Djamilatou Sabi Mohamed, president of the Benin Women ⁢Senators Caucus, security is an essential element of every strategy and cannot be truly achieved without the full participation of women. “Just as the Amazons were central figures in​ the armed forces of the Kingdom of Abomey, women today​ must be fully and fairly integrated into our defense and security forces,” said the honorable Djamilatou Sabi Mohamed.

SOCAFRICA’s Deputy Chief of⁤ Staff highlighted the importance of the Women in Security-Africa conference. During the two days of the conference, Faye Cuevas informs, it is a question of ⁤discussing resolution 1325; current challenges and opportunities for partnerships, best practices for preventing extreme violence, women’s participation in planning strategies and in the ‍security dialogue for lasting peace in the region.

By promoting collaboration and ​gender inclusion, the Women in Security in Africa Conference aims to strengthen the implementation of the Women, Peace⁣ and Security agenda throughout the region.