The active and decisive role played by women in the peace and sustainable development of African societies certainly needs no further demonstration. What remains to be done, however, is to promote and strengthen this effort, which sometimes tends to be downplayed or invisible. This is the background to the “Appel à la Paix des Femmes d'Afrique” project. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union's Agenda 2063 and United Nations Resolution 1325, this initiative aims to harness the potential of African women to foster peace and promote sustainable activities across the continent. The event, which will launch a continental initiative to increase women's commitment to peace, security and sustainable development, is also supported by the Timbuktu Institute - African Center for Peace Studies.

In line with the creation of Pan-African Women's Day at the African Women's Conference held in Dar Es Salaam on 31 July 1962, the aim of the “African Women's Call for Peace” initiative is threefold. Firstly, to strengthen the role of women by highlighting and supporting their societal roles in peace and development processes. Secondly, to promote sustainable activities by encouraging initiatives that contribute to environmental, economic and social sustainability. Lastly, to create a positive ripple effect, mobilizing women to initiate positive change through collaborations and partnerships. By mobilizing women through workshops, awareness campaigns and training, “African Women's Call for Peace” aims to create an inclusive platform where women's voices are heard and valued. This is to: 1) increase the participation of women in community projects and decision-making processes, 2) build women's capacities by creating groups of women trained and equipped to lead peace and sustainable development initiatives, 3) increase community impact for more resilient communities better prepared to face future challenges.

To achieve this, the initiative intends to develop through a number of initiatives. On the one hand, to create a formal structure to deploy activities in a coherent manner, to mobilize a large number of women to support the cause of peace, to ensure the continuity and sustainability of actions undertaken, to extend activities to all 54 countries on the continent, to elaborate development programs adapted to local realities, and to create synergies between women's associations to maximize the impact of initiatives. On the other hand, to establish mentoring and scholarship programs for young women, to set up programs to protect and empower women and children in conflict zones, to develop initiatives to dissuade young women and men tempted by emigration, to promote women's mediation in socio-political crises, to adapt educational programs to local socio-economic and cultural realities, and to involve the private sector in supporting initiatives.

July 31 also marks the start of a campaign in favor of peace. The principle is simple, but symbolic: wear a white scarf or any other distinctive white sign, and share a brief message or video on social networks. The aim is to show solidarity and commitment to peace in Africa. A manifesto of women's actions for peace in Africa will then be published.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           For the initiative, Mrs Laure Olga Gondjout.

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