AWLN, African Union and UN Women Launch Initiative with Support from Germany to Advance Women’s Participation in Peace Processes in South Sudan, Sudan and Somalia

NEW YORK, 29 October 2026 - The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), in collaboration with the African Union (AU) and UN Women and with the critical support of the Federal Republic of Germany, convened a high-level launch on “Women’s Participation in Peace Efforts in Conflict and Crisis Contexts - South Sudan, Sudan and Somalia: Operationalizing AWLN’s Women, Peace and Security Pillar” at the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations in New York during Women, Peace and Security Week.

The high-level event brought together senior AU and UN officials, diplomatic representatives, women leaders and peacebuilding stakeholders to advance women’s meaningful participation in conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding and political transitions.

Building on nearly a decade of women-led solidarity missions, peace advocacy and engagement with the African Union and the United Nations through UN Women, this initiative operationalizes AWLN’s Women, Peace and Security Pillar through coordinated advocacy, high-level political engagement and country-specific action. It aims to strengthen the influence of women peacebuilders at the community level in formal peace and political decision-making.

The launch featured a ceremonial agreement signing, during which Germany reaffirmed its longstanding partnership with AWLN through an additional USD 557,000 to support women in crisis contexts across the three countries.

In Sudan, the initiative will advance women’s priorities for a ceasefire and inclusive peace, including advocacy linked to the Kampala Feminist Declaration, while strengthening coordination among women peacebuilders.

In South Sudan, it will connect women mediators and peacebuilders at the community level with national WPS, constitutional, governance and political transition processes.

In Somalia, AWLN will build on its National Chapter to advance women’s advocacy on peace, reconciliation, governance and recovery, while promoting political participation and the 30 percent representation commitment.

The event featured interventions by H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Fathi Ahmed Edrees, Permanent Representative of the AU Mission to the UN; H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security; H.E. Ambassador Ricklef Beutin, Permanent Representative of Germany to the UN; Ms. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women; Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa; and Ms. Joyce Mends-Cole, Executive Director of AWLN.

Speakers underscored the need for sustained political commitment, stronger coordination among women’s networks, local ownership and increased investment to translate women’s leadership into concrete peacebuilding outcomes.

A highlight of the event was a video statement by H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, Former President of Ethiopia, AWLN Elder and WPS Pillar Champion, who officially launched the initiative, declaring:

“We are not launching another platform for declarations. We are launching a mechanism for action, influence and accountability.”

Her message reinforced the importance of recognizing women as leaders and decision-makers in shaping sustainable peace. Perspectives from Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia further highlighted the need to anchor the initiative in the priorities and experiences of women in conflict-affected communities.

Implemented through collaboration with the AU Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, FemWise-Africa, relevant AU peace and security mechanisms, UN country teams and national stakeholders, the initiative will establish sustained channels for women’s priorities to inform peace processes and political decision-making.

Expected outcomes include stronger coordination among women peacebuilders, increased engagement of AWLN Elders as political champions, and a practical model for advancing women’s leadership that could be replicated in other conflict-affected contexts across Africa.

The event concluded with remarks by Ms. Ouriatou Danfakha, Advisor to the Cabinet of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, who reflected on her longstanding engagement with AWLN and reaffirmed the African Union’s support for the Network’s mission.

About AWLN

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), established in 2017 with the support of the African Union and the United Nations, is a continental platform advancing women's leadership for peace, governance and sustainable development. Through its 39 National Chapters, intergenerational leadership model, strategic partnerships and advocacy, AWLN strengthens women's political participation, fosters peer learning and collaboration, and supports current and future generations of African women leaders across the continent.

For more information or to contact AWLN, please reach out to the AWLN Secretariat at: admin@awlnafrica.net or communication@awlnafrica.net