Women must play a greater role in peacebuilding and conflict resolution –African Development Bank chief | African Development Bank

Women’s proven role in conflict resolution makes First Ladies’ unique position even more important as conflict resolution agents in Africa.

“Men wage wars, women make peace. Women must therefore be involved in peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict resolution and reconstruction.” President of the African Development Bank told guests at the inauguration of the state-of-the-art African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFFLPM) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

“There can be no development without peace and security,” Dr Adesina said in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Director General of the African Development Bank for Nigeria, Lamin Barrow.

Nigeria’s first lady and outgoing chairperson of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, Aisha Buhari, stressed the importance 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 lead people to accept and unleash violence on innocent victims, the majority of whom are women and children,” he said. she.

She told attendees 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 work together on peacebuilding, Buhari said.

The African Development Bank is working with the African Union to develop security-indexed investment bonds to help mobilize finance to address the root causes of political instability, protect businesses and livelihoods, and rebuild infrastructure in conflict-affected areas.

The bank also provides support to vulnerable and internally displaced women living in refugee camps in the Sahel region.

“Nothing works without peace and security,” Adesina said, adding his voice to the African Union’s call to “silence the guns.” “Many parts of Africa are facing major security challenges from conflict and war. Today, 85% of Africans live in or near a country in conflict.”

Women and children are disproportionately affected by wars, he said, adding that sexual violence, kidnappings, forced conscription and trafficking in women must end.

“Women’s voices should never be silenced,” added Adesina.

The bank chief described African first ladies as crucial to the efforts of African leaders and the African Union to ensure a peaceful and secure Africa by 2063.

“Your focus on tackling violence, promoting the role of women, fostering a culture of peace and reducing conflict is truly commendable,” Adesina said. “The African Development Bank stands ready to support your efforts and we look forward to a strong partnership with your organization.”

He also stressed the importance of a collective responsibility to unite to resolve conflicts, break cycles of violence and address fragility.