Women’s proven role in conflict resolution makes the unique position of First Ladies even more important as agents for resolving conflicts in Africa.
“Men make wars, women make peace. Women must therefore be included in peace making, peace building, conflict resolution, and reconstruction efforts.” African Development Bank President told guests at the inauguration of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) state-of-the-art headquarters in Abuja heard on Tuesday.
“There can be no development without peace and security,” said Dr Adesina in a speech delivered on his behalf by the African Development Bank’s Director General for Nigeria, Lamin Barrow.
Nigeria’s first lady and outgoing chair of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (https://apo-opa.info/3MkXR0s), Aisha Buhari, emphasised the significance of women’s role in conflict resolution.
“As women leaders and mothers, our role in peace and security is to continue to say no to the culture and structures of violence that make people accept and unleash violence on innocent victims, the majority of whom are women and children,” she said.
She told the gathering that the African First Ladies Peace Mission has received the endorsement and support of partners led by the African Union.
AFLPM has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Union to cooperate on peacebuilding, Buhari said.
The African Development Bank has partnered with the African Union to develop security-indexed investment bonds to help mobilise funding to address the root causes of political instability, protect businesses and livelihoods, and rebuild infrastructure in conflict-affected areas.
