Frontline women peacebuilders from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) convened in Addis Ababa from 6th – 7th June 2026 for a pre-engagement meeting ahead of a high-level dialogue with the African Union (AU) Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). The women peacebuilders are participating through the Africa Women Voices for Peace Project, which supports and amplifies the voices of women on the frontlines of peacebuilding across the region.
The two-day engagement brought together women working at the forefront of peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected communities, providing a platform for them to share experiences, strengthen networks and influence policies addressing the realities faced by women and girls in conflict situations.
The meeting, convened by the Office of the AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, sought to advance women’s leadership in peacebuilding and promote approaches that place frontline women at the centre of peace and security decision-making across Africa.
Opening the engagement, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the voices of women peacebuilders directly inform policies and actions aimed at achieving sustainable peace. Ambassador Mulamula called for a shift from commitments to concrete action, urging stakeholders to recognize frontline women as essential actors in preventing conflict, resolving crises and rebuilding communities affected by violence.
“The voices and experiences of frontline women must shape policies and decisions that deliver lasting peace,” she noted, reaffirming the AU’s commitment to strengthening women’s leadership, protecting women peacebuilders and ensuring that National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security deliver measurable impact in conflict-affected communities.
The engagement also featured presentations from AU institutions, including the African Union Women, Gender and Youth Directorate (AU-WGYD) and FemWise-Africa, which highlighted existing frameworks and opportunities for women to engage directly with continental peace and security mechanisms. Discussions focused on key regional and continental frameworks, including the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) and the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG).
Through powerful personal testimonies, frontline women from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and the DRC reflected on the challenges faced by women and girls in conflict environments while underscoring the critical role of women-led peace initiatives in building resilient and peaceful societies. Participants highlighted the need for greater protection, recognition and support for women peacebuilders who continue to mediate disputes, support survivors, advocate for communities and contribute to local peace efforts despite significant risks.
Nelline, Project Officer for the Africa Women Voices for Peace Project in Kenya, implemented by ActionAid Kenya in partnership with stakeholders in the project implementation region of Baringo County, welcomed the opportunity for frontline women to engage directly with regional decision-makers.
“I am encouraged to see the voices of frontline women being recognized at the regional level. Their participation reaffirms that sustainable peace can only be achieved when women are meaningfully included in decision-making and supported to lead peacebuilding efforts within their communities,” she said.
Also sharing her experience was Jennifer Kibon, a frontline woman peacebuilder from Baringo County, Kenya, whose community has lived with the realities of recurring conflict for generations.
“We appreciate this forum because we want to tell our stories ourselves, in our own voices and in the best way we understand them. Since we grew up, war has been our daily way of life. Being here assures us that our grandchildren and future generations can enjoy peace. Nothing discussed about peace is meaningful without us being present,” she said.
The pre-engagement culminated in a dialogue with the AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, providing frontline women with an opportunity to engage directly with continental actors and advocate for stronger action on women’s participation, protection and leadership in peace processes. The meeting underscored growing efforts to move Women, Peace and Security commitments from policy statements into practical measures that place women at the heart of Africa’s peacebuilding agenda.
The participation and leadership of frontline women peacebuilders were supported through the commitment of partners, including the Judith Neilson Foundation and Australian Aid through ActionAid Australia. Their support contributes to strengthening women’s voices, advancing inclusive peacebuilding approaches and enabling women leaders from conflict-affected communities to engage in shaping decisions that affect peace and security across the region.
Author: Ezra Kiriago, Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya.