Women call for capacity building in conflict mediation

Capacity building is essential if women are to have a strong audible voice at the post-conflict resolution and peacebuilding table.

This was reiterated today at the APRM Gender, Governance and peace-building meeting that took place on the side-lines of the Global Gender Summit.

Governments have been encouraged to not only include women in peace building processes, but to also empower them with the right skills to enable them make meaningful contributions.

Women said that they bear the brunt of war in many conflict zones.

The role of women in post-conflict resolution and peacebuilding has been said to be vital as they represent half of the population and they view conflict from different lenses.

African Union Special Envoy on Women Peace and Security Benita DIOP said that the AU has created a body of mediators that is women inclusive.

Though some women have made it to the negotiating table, it has not been an easy journey, with most of them having to prove themselves worthy of the opportunity.

The women have called on governments to help with capacity building to strengthen their voice in conflict mediation.

Statistics show that 6 out of every 10 war refugees are women and girls. Furthermore, 95 billion dollars annually are lost due to gender inequality in the sub-Saharan region.

The 2019 Global Competitiveness Report ranked Rwanda 1^st in Africa as the best country for women to live in and ranked 4^th in the world after Iceland, Norway and Finland.