Ethiopia Opens FemWise-Africa National Chapter

Addis Ababa, November 29/2023 (ENA) The FemWise-Africa, a Pan-African network dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in conflict prevention and mediation endeavors, has launched its Ethiopia chapter today.

Ethiopia is the third African country after Uganda and Malawi to launch the FemWise-Africa national chapter in the continent. 

AU Political Affairs, Peace and Security Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, through his representative, underscored on the occasion the significance of the Ethiopian chapter's establishment, attributing its success to the collaborative efforts of the AU Commission, Ministry of Peace, and dedicated FemWise-Africa members.

The inauguration of the FemWise-Africa Ethiopia chapter signifies a remarkable milestone for the organization and for Ethiopian women, heralding an era of increased engagement in conflict prevention and resolution at national, regional, and continental levels.

Commissioner Adeoye urged African nations to expedite the launch of their respective FemWise-Africa national chapters to strengthen women's participation and ensure gender equality in fostering a peaceful and secure Africa.

Peace Minister Binalf Andualem reaffirmed Ethiopia's unwavering commitment to the ideals of regional and multilateral bodies dedicated to peace and security.

He highlighted Ethiopia's consistent position as a leading troop contributor to UN and AU peace support missions, emphasizing the nation's commitment of deploying the highest number of women in peace operations.

The minister further stressed the need to translate these peacekeeping and peace support mission achievements into the realms of peacemaking and peace building.

Therefore, the ministry wholeheartedly endorses and supports initiatives like FemWise-Africa, which are dedicated to empowering women in conflict prevention and mediation.

According to him, the ministry is enthusiastic about collaborating with the AU Commission as its endeavors to encourage peace processes and conflict prevention align seamlessly with the ministry's vision.

Efforts have therefore been underway to draft the nation's first-ever national action plan in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Binalf revealed.

Adopted in 2000, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security advocates for women's active participation in peace-building, their protection from human rights violations, and their unhindered access to justice.

Established in 2017 under the auspices of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State, FemWise-Africa stands as a subsidiary mechanism of the Panel of the Wise, a cornerstone of the AU's Peace and Security Architecture.

The Pan-African network is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in conflict prevention and mediation endeavors by providing a platform for strategic advocacy, capacity-building, and networking.