AACC Women’s Consultation Ends with Roadmap to Strengthen Women’s Leadership in Peace and Security
On 5th November 2026, the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) concluded its stakeholders’ consultation on strengthening the role of women in peace and security at the Desmond Tutu Conference Centre in Nairobi. Participants reviewed the draft AACC Engendered Women, Peace and Security Framework and outlined steps for its implementation across Africa.
The final day opened with a call for stakeholders to move from vision to action. Bishop Marie Kamwanya of the Democratic Republic of Congo urged women to take their rightful place in peacebuilding, governance and conflict transformation.
While presenting the consolidated draft framework, Dr Bernard Okok, one of AACC’s consultants, explained how research and frontline peacebuilders’ experiences informed its development. The framework connects community realities with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and regional commitments, building on churches’ existing peacebuilding structures.
Participants called for churches to allocate resources to women’s peacebuilding initiatives and strengthen their representation in decision-making. They also emphasized protecting women from violence, supporting women mediators, and ensuring that women lead relief, recovery and trauma-healing efforts in their communities.
Representatives of Christian Aid, Norwegian Church Aid and LM International joined the discussions. Christian Aid’s Steve Wagude shared experiences from interventions addressing sexual and gender-based violence in conflict-affected communities and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting faith-based peace initiatives.
Stakeholders proposed taking the framework forward through member churches and engagement with Regional Economic Communities, the African Union and international partners.
The consultation adopted the Nairobi Call to Action, urging governments, regional bodies, churches and development partners to strengthen women’s leadership in peace processes, end impunity for sexual and gender-based violence, and support women-led peacebuilding initiatives. Participants also called for an implementation roadmap for the AACC framework and committed to mentoring young women and strengthening collaboration through the AACC Women for Peace Network.
Closing the consultation, AACC Director for Gender, Women, Youth and Sustainable Population, Ms Ann Njeri Kioi, appreciated participants for sharing their experiences and contributing to the success of the consultation.
“I am grateful that we have achieved the purpose of our gathering here,” she said.
In the photo: Some of the participants observing the Thursdays in Black campaign during the last day of the consultation. [Akidiva Dickson]
