The winds of change are sweeping across Africa, and women and young people are emerging as powerful forces in peacebuilding. Their ability to question entrenched power structures and bring fresh insights into conflict resolution makes them increasingly influential in creating lasting peace.
“Women have a vital role to play in peacebuilding,” says Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s first female president and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Research from the African Union (AU) supports this, showing that peace agreements with women’s participation are 35% more likely to endure for at least 15 years. Women bring diverse perspectives and a focus on sustainable solutions to peace processes.
Here are some inspiring women leaders shaping Africa’s peacebuilding landscape:
Leymah Gbowee (Liberia): Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for leading a women’s movement that helped end Liberia’s civil war, Gbowee highlights the power of women’s non-violent resistance, stating, “We, the women of Liberia, are tired of war… tired that our children are used as soldiers, tired of being raped and brutalized.”
Shamim Nabuuma (Uganda): Founder and Executive Director of Chil Artificial Intelligence Lab, Nabuuma uses AI for social impact, solving pressing issues in her community and beyond with a focus on technological innovation for the greater good.
Wanuri Kahiu (Kenya): A grassroots peace activist and founder of “Peace Players International,” Kahiu uses basketball to bridge ethnic and religious divides in conflict zones. She underscores the power of youth engagement, saying, “If we invest in young people, they become a powerful tool for peacebuilding.”
Youth: The Future of Peace
Young people are not passive observers; they are active change agents, using social media and technology to promote peace, organize dialogues, and monitor human rights.
Justin Irabor (Nigeria): Founder of the “Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Peace, and Development in Africa” (YIAPDA), Irabor believes, “Young people have the energy, the passion, and the creativity to drive positive change in our communities.”
Sydney Sam (Ghana): A brand strategist and serial entrepreneur, Sam is the creator of Workspace Global, a tech-focused firm providing innovative brand communication services across Ghana and internationally.
Michael Muthiga (Kenya): Founder and CEO of Fatboy Animations, Muthiga uses animation to create impactful content, including educational videos and TV shows, which reach audiences worldwide and inspire young Africans.
Challenges and Opportunities
While many women and young people in peacebuilding initiatives lack formal education and training, investing in targeted training programs can empower them to be even more effective in conflict resolution, negotiation, and community organizing.
Access to technology is also essential for empowering women and youth. In today’s digital age, technology enables communication, information sharing, and collaboration, crucial for mobilizing support and accessing critical information. Providing these groups with digital tools and resources can significantly strengthen their peacebuilding efforts and foster a more inclusive and sustainable society.
A Future Built on Peace
Africa’s future peace depends on its women and youth. By recognizing their agency, equipping them with tools, and amplifying their voices, we can create a continent where peace is not merely a vision but a shared reality.
