Former Tanzanian Minister who currently serving as African Union (AU) Special Envoy for Women, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, has emphasized that women remain a key pillar in sustaining peace and security across Africa, saying their full participation in decision-making is essential for lasting stability on the continent.
Ambassador Mulamula made the remarks during a special interview marking one year since her appointment as AU Special Envoy for Women, where she reflected on progress made in advancing women’s inclusion in peace and security processes across Africa.
She said no meaningful peace or security can be achieved in Africa without the active involvement of women at all levels of leadership and decision-making.
“Women are a key pillar in sustaining peace and security. They must be fully involved in decision-making processes from the community level, to national and international levels,” she said.
Ambassador Mulamula explained that her office has been working to strengthen women’s participation by addressing long-standing barriers that have limited their involvement in leadership, peacebuilding, and governance.
She noted that the establishment of the AU Women’s Office was aimed at empowering women by removing structural and social obstacles that have historically excluded them from key decision-making spaces.
She further said that during her one year in office, she has focused on advancing the agenda of women’s inclusion in political, economic, and social spheres, with special emphasis on ending gender discrimination and addressing gender-based violence.
According to her, African Union member states are being encouraged to adopt and implement stronger policies that promote gender equality and ensure women are fully represented in leadership and development processes.
“There can be no discussion about peace and security in Africa without the full participation of women. In many conflicts, women are often labelled only as victims, yet they are also important actors in peacebuilding and conflict resolution,” she said.
Ambassador Mulamula also highlighted ongoing efforts to support dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts, including initiatives related to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where various stakeholders continue to engage in search of lasting peace.
She commended progress made in Tanzania in promoting gender equality, citing key milestones such as the election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the country’s first female Head of State, as well as the appointment of the first female Minister of Defence in previous years, as clear signs of progress in women’s leadership.
She reaffirmed her commitment to continue working with African leaders and institutions to strengthen women’s role in peacebuilding, security, and sustainable development across Africa.
