Advancing Women’s Leadership in Peace and Security: ECOWAS Holds Inaugural Regional Steering Group Meeting

The ECOWAS Women Peace and Security Regional Steering Group for 2024 was officially launched in Abuja, with a focus on sustaining the momentum towards monitoring and reporting on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in West Africa using the Continental Results Framework (CRF).

Nigeria's commitment to women's leadership in peace and security was highlighted by H.E. Mrs. Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, who stated, "With robust national action plans and localized security resolutions, Nigeria is spearheading efforts to ensure that women are not only participants but leaders in our peace and security framework."

H.E. Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, stressed the importance of consistency in action and advocacy for the inclusivity of women in peace processes across Africa. She emphasized, "Our focus is clear: to fortify the mechanisms for monitoring and reporting that underpin our agenda, ensuring that peace and security are unshakeable pillars in our region."

The German Embassy's representative, H.E. Mrs. Susanne Schroeder, expressed Germany's dedication to supporting ECOWAS' efforts in promoting women's involvement in peace and security in West Africa, stating, "We aim to create an atmosphere where their valuable contributions to peacebuilding are acknowledged and indispensable."

Mrs. Eno Moma, the European Union Delegation's representative, underscored the EU's commitment to fostering stability and inclusivity in partnership with ECOWAS. She emphasized, "The European Union is dedicated to recognizing the crucial role of women as key participants in promoting the stability and security of the region."

The meeting aims to address the successes and challenges in implementing the Women Peace Security agenda, with a focus on utilizing the Continental Results Framework for monitoring and reporting. Discussions will center on strengthening regional cooperation, identifying successful practices, and enhancing strategies to support women's involvement in peace and security initiatives throughout West Africa.

This inaugural meeting marks a significant step in ECOWAS' ongoing dedication to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, providing a platform for revitalizing regional and global efforts to foster a peaceful and inclusive West African region.