Role of Women in Peace Mediation Discussed in Seminar in Addis Ababa (28.9.2010)

A seminar on inclusive peace and the role of women in peace mediation took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 23 - 24 September, 2010.  The seminar was organized by CMI and representatives of several organizations and entities - including the African Union, ACCORD, UNIFEM, WANEP, FAS, CCR, UNDP,  and the European Union- attended the two-day event.

It was agreed that, when it comes to peace mediation efforts, the perspectives and insights of women are disproportionately lacking. The seminars’ participants discussed and formulated suggestions as to how to change this. The event particularly succeeded in bringing together experts from civil society, academia, and international organizations. Both the organizers and participants hope that this seminar marks the beginning of deeper cooperation and initiative on the subject of women’s roles in peace mediation.

The seminar is a part of a project aimed at strengthening the African Union’s Mediation Support Capacity through various means. More information on the project can be found here: http://www.cmi.fi/africa/au-mediation-support-capacity-project.html