By SA'AH SIONA IKEI
In commemoration of International Women's Day 2024, a thought-provoking conference titled "Women and War in Africa: Challenges, Resilience, and Reconstruction" was organized in collaboration between the University of Yaoundé II and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The conference aimed to deepen the understanding of the role of women in conflict contexts on the African continent.
The conference included a diverse range of sessions, featuring speakers and experts in the field like Professor Adolphe Minkoa She, Rector of the University of Yaoundé II and the Regional Delegation Head of the ICRC, Stephane Bonamy. Inaugural lectures and panel discussions explored topics such as perceptions and stereotypes, resilience and feminine reconstruction, and challenges and opportunities for women's empowerment.
The central theme of the conference was the diverse roles that women had historically played during times of war. Shedding light on the multifaceted roles played by women in conflicts through case studies and presentations, the conference challenged prevailing stereotypes and recognized the active participation of women in conflict situations. It brought together academics, researchers, activists, policymakers, and representatives from various African countries.
Talking about the role of women from victims to actors in the situation of war in Africa, Nina Netzer from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Cameroon said, ‘‘it’s not really a line where women will become actors coming from the situation of victims, but it’s a cycle because women can be victims, they can become actors in many different roles, they can become negotiators, soldiers and mediators but because of this engagement, they are being exposed again. So very often, we observe that women who are engaged for peace or conflict resolution are victimized because of their engagement.” She further prescribed that participants would analyze the international as well as the national frameworks, in view of strengthening women in their different goals as actors. International research she said has shown, that the more women are engaged in peace processes, the higher is the probability that there would be ceasefire and peace treaties which would last longer if women are involved.
As to what concerns the certainty on the issues of respect and non-respect of regulations by members, Stephane Bonamy, the Regional Delegation Head of the ICRC said, ‘‘respect for the regulations that protect persons and in particular, women during conflicts are primary responsibility of the State.” He said ICRC is there to remind those who have signed those regulations and conventions of their obligations that they have to respect them. ‘‘When we have such conferences, it is to make sure that those rules are not only promoted, but that they are as well integrated within the national framework that contributes to form and train people with responsibilities at the higher level of the State, be they lawyers, judges, politicians or administrators.’’ He concluded.
Highlighting the resilience of African women in the face of war trauma, emphases were laid on the importance of community solidarity and the establishments of local organizations. These will be dedicated to providing psychological support as crucial mechanisms for resilience for these women, who despite facing immense challenges, demonstrated and are still demonstrating strength.
Also, the conference underscored the vital role of women in post-conflict reconstruction. At this stage, it was made known that women politicians, activists, and entrepreneurs emerged as driving forces in rebuilding societies devastated by war.
Inspiring examples of women who overcame obstacles and made significant contributions to social, economic, and political restoration were showcased during the event.
At the end, the conference called for a transformation of mindsets and policies, advocating for greater inclusion of women in decision-making processes at all levels. This falls in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000).
By Sa'ah Siona Ikei,
Creative Storyteller.
Comments