About Us
The African Women Peace and Security Institute (AWPSI) is a non-governmental organisation registered with the Ethiopian Civil Society Organisation, Reg. No. 6906 and it contributes at addressing the role women can play in the negotiation table as well as in the overall peace-building processes in Africa.
Context and Background
- The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 (UNSC 1325) in October 2000, recognizing the impact of armed conflict on women and girls and reaffirming the essential role of women in conflict prevention and resolution, peace-building, and peacekeeping.
- Since then, nine additional resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) have been adopted.
- At the continental level, the African Union (AU) has implemented UNSCR 1325 by establishing mechanisms like the FemWise-Africa (Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation).
- Despite these measures, the implementation of the WPS agenda remains uneven, with low participation of women in peace processes.
Ethiopia and the WPS Agenda
- Ethiopia has made strides towards women’s empowerment and gender equality, integral to the country’s development agenda.
- However, challenges remain, particularly in women’s participation in peace-building activities and formal peace processes.
- Out of 130 peace agreements signed between 1990 to 2014, women were signatories in only three. Women represented a minimal percentage in mediation teams and delegations.
- To address these challenges, it is crucial to empower women by enhancing their skills and participation at various levels.
Contact Us
Empowering Women, Building Peace
If you are interested in supporting or learning more about our initiatives to empower women in peace and security, please reach out to us. Together, we can create a more inclusive and peaceful society.