The wife of the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Mrs. Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, has called for synergy, complementarity, strong partnership and collaboration between the African First Ladies Peace Mission and the Commission for the promotion of continental peace and development, according to a press release from ECOWAS.
She was addressing the 7th Summit of the African First Ladies Peace Mission in Abuja last week with Mrs Sia Koroma in attendance. Mrs. Ouedraogo spoke about efforts by the Commission to engage more effectively for sustainable democracy, good governance and peace in the region, and reiterate their commitment to support and participate in all peace processes in the region.
She said the ECOWAS Commission had already set up a network for peace and security to promote strategic partnership for women empowerment and gender equality in peace and security in West Africa, adding that since women and children are the major victims of wars and conflicts, they should be given key roles in conflict prevention and resolution.
Mrs. Ouedraogo disclosed that some 35 women had been trained in peace negotiations within the framework of the ECOWAS network, with the support of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and the UN Women.
She lauded the efforts of Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan and her colleagues for their “prominent roles in promoting peace, and contributions to the development of their countries, the region and the African continent” the release adds.
