Women’s Alliance for Peace (WAP)

The Women’s Alliance for Peac* is an initiative born out of the collaboration between the Women for Africa Foundation and the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), with the mission of promoting the critical role of women as peacemakers, negotiators, and mediators in Africa. This initiative is closely linked to the foundation’s broader efforts in *Political Leadership, Peace, and Security, a priority championed by María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, president of the foundation.

In conflict resolution processes—especially those with cultural and religious dimensions—women often play a unique and vital role. However, their involvement is frequently marginalized. The Women’s Alliance for Peace seeks to reverse this trend by supporting and strengthening the contributions of women to peacebuilding efforts across the African continent. WAP’s actions align with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and peaceful future for all.

The Role of African Women as Peacemakers

Across Africa, women have historically acted as agents of peace, often using their unique positions in families, communities, and civil society to mediate conflicts and foster reconciliation. Their involvement has not only been pivotal in post-conflict reconstruction but also in preemptively addressing the root causes of violence. African women, drawing from cultural wisdom and a deep understanding of their societies, have proven to be effective in navigating the complexities of peace negotiations and fostering long-term stability. The Women’s Alliance for Peace seeks to formalize and strengthen these efforts, ensuring that women are fully recognized as indispensable players in peace processes at local, national, and international levels.

Women’s Alliance for Peace: Structure and Leadership

To provide strategic direction and ensure the effectiveness of its initiatives, WAP established an Advisory Council, consisting of prominent African women who are globally recognized for their leadership in politics, activism, diplomacy, and peacemaking. These women bring unparalleled expertise and insight, ensuring that WAP’s efforts are well-grounded in the realities of African contexts while aligning with broader global peacebuilding frameworks. The Council helps set priorities for the alliance’s initiatives, ensuring they provide value-added, complementing the work of other United Nations entities, and leveraging partnerships with key actors.

Members of the Women’s Alliance for Peace Advisory Council:

• Oumou Sall Seck (Mali): Malian politician and former Ambassador to Germany
• Hibaaq Osman (Somalia): President of Al Karama, a prominent organization advocating for women’s rights in the Arab region
• Caddy Adzuba (Democratic Republic of Congo): Journalist and activist, recognized for her work in promoting peace and justice in conflict zones
• Wanjira Mathai (Kenya): Chair of the *Wangari Maathai Foundation*, continuing her mother’s legacy of peace and environmental activism
• Aminata Touré (Senegal): Former Prime Minister of Senegal and a leading advocate for women’s rights and political participation
• Obiageli Ezekwesili (Nigeria): Former Minister of Minerals and Education in Nigeria, and an international voice on governance and transparency
• Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic): Acting President of the Central African Republic from 2014 to 2016, a key figure in rebuilding her country post-conflict
• Valentine Rugwabiza (Rwanda): Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations and a leading diplomat in African peace efforts
• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia): Former President of Liberia and 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, a symbol of women’s leadership in post-war recovery
• Aya Chebbi (Tunisia): African Union Special Envoy on Youth and advocate for women’s empowerment in political and social spheres across Africa

Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace

Women are not only victims of conflict but also powerful agents of change and peacemaking. Research shows that when women are included in peace processes, the likelihood of reaching a sustainable agreement increases significantly. In Africa, where cultural, religious, and social factors can deeply influence conflict dynamics, women often bring unique perspectives that foster more inclusive dialogue and long-lasting peace agreements. WAP is committed to amplifying these voices, ensuring that women’s contributions are fully integrated into peace negotiations, security frameworks, and conflict resolution mechanisms.

By equipping women with the tools, networks, and support needed to engage in these processes, the Women’s Alliance for Peac* aims to build a future where women are at the forefront of Africa’s efforts to achieve lasting peace. Through partnerships, advocacy, and concrete initiatives, WAP continues to bridge the gap between local peacebuilders and international diplomacy, ensuring that African women can lead the charge towards a more peaceful and equitable continent.

Women’s Alliance for Peace Workshops: Empowering Grassroots Women Mediators

Throughout 2021 and early 2022, the Women’s Alliance for Peace took a bold step in strengthening the role of women mediators by building a network of grassroots organizations in Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR). These workshops, co-organized by the UNAOC and Women for Africa Foundation, have been a driving force in equipping women with the tools they need to become powerful peacemakers in their communities.

Here’s a snapshot of the workshop journey so far:

•  February 18^th, 2021
• May 19^th 2021
• June 17^th 2021
• July 1^st 2021
• September 14^th  2021
• November 17^th 2021
• -January 26^th  2022

 Topics That Matter

These interactive online webinars have been shaped by the priorities of women mediators working on the ground in Mali and CAR, addressing pressing issues such as:

• Tackling insecurity and sociocultural challenges amidst the complex crises in Mali and CAR.
• Engaging religious and traditional leaders in conflict resolution.
• Enhancing the role of women mediators in local mediation processes.
• Strengthening women’s participation in broader peace and reconciliation efforts.
• Mastering mediation techniques to resolve conflicts effectively.

Empowering Women to Lead Peacebuilding

The workshops have not only provided practical training on mediation techniques but also created a platform for women to connect, share, and learn from each other. Participants have gained valuable insights into navigating the diverse actors involved in mediation, while also addressing the unique challenges they face in their work.

By building this knowledge and exchanging best practices, these grassroots women mediators are becoming stronger voices in peace and reconciliation processes, shaping a more peaceful future for their communities. These workshops are more than just training—they are a powerful step toward long-lasting change.