Windhoek: The African Union (AU) Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, has called upon African women to take charge of narrating their own experiences of courage and resilience. She emphasized that women should be the ones to define their contributions to peace and security across the continent.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Mulamula made these remarks during the launch of the third edition of the book ‘She Stands for Peace’. This event took place at the 25th Anniversary commemoration of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in Windhoek. She highlighted that the publication serves as a reminder for African women to continue documenting their lived experiences, particularly those of peacebuilders whose efforts are often overlooked.
Mulamula stated, “It is our responsibility to share stories about the road to peace, about the resilience, courage and dedication of women peacebuilders. This book is not only a record of achievement, but also a call to action for women to claim their space in shaping Africa’s peaceful and prosperous future.” The book, ‘She Stands for Peace’, initially published by the AU in collaboration with the United Nations, features profiles of African women leaders and peacebuilders who have significantly impacted communities and advanced the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. The third edition expands on previous volumes by including additional stories from across the continent.
Grace Kabayo, Secretary-General of the Pan-African Women’s Organisation (PAWO), remarked that the book transcends mere recognition and acts as a healing mechanism for women who have suffered the trauma of conflict. She noted, “There is nothing more healing than being listened to. This book represents the voices of women who have lost their lives to war, the refugees selling themselves for food, and those still being trafficked in search of a better life. It is for every woman who continues to stand for peace.”
Kabayo, reflecting on her personal experience in conflict-torn Uganda, asserted that peace is not an alternative but an obligation. She emphasized, “You do not seek peace because it is convenient; you seek peace because it is a commitment,” and stressed that women’s involvement in peace processes should be considered a necessity rather than an exception. Kabayo also called for renewed efforts to safeguard women leaders from persecution following regime changes in some African countries and urged greater investment in women’s economic empowerment as part of sustaining peace.