By Ncaba Ntshakala
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, one of Africa’s most distinguished women leaders is in the country to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the African Women’s Peace and Development Foundation (AWPDF).
The event taking place today, at the Royal Villas, celebrates a decade of empowering women to play a pivotal role in peacebuilding and sustainable development across the continent.
The Eswatini Chapter Chairperson, Tizie Maphalala, reflected on the journey that began in 2012 when the need for a more active role for women in supporting peace became evident.
“We decided that women must have a greater role in bringing peace,” Maphalala said, expressing the foundation’s mission to equip women with the tools and platforms necessary to manage conflicts, understand the root causes of gender-based violence, and mitigate its effects.
Dr. Dlamini-Zuma, who is the guest speaker, is expected to share her invaluable experiences and insights gained from her extensive work in peace and development across Africa.
As the first woman to be elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission, her tenure from October 2012 to January 2017 was marked by the development of the continental strategic plan known as ‘Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.’
The theme of the celebration, “Investing in Women’s Leadership,” reflects the foundation’s ongoing efforts to promote women’s leadership at all levels.
The corporate breakfast aims to raise funds to support AWPDF’s initiatives while alsocelebrating a decade of achievements since the organization’s establishment in 2013.
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“As a woman who has reached the highest levels of decision-making, with vast experience on issues of peace and development in Africa, and who inspired and supported AWPDF during its infancy years when she was head of the African Union Commission,
we believe Dr. Dlamini-Zuma will be able to share unique perspectives that inspire women leaders in Eswatini,” Maphalala stated.
She emphasized the critical role women play in achieving sustained peace and development, noting that today’s event provides a rare opportunity for institutions to invest in their women leaders by facilitating their participation and learning from Dr. Dlamini-Zuma’s vast knowledge and experience.
Maphalala highlighted that the discussions would delve into the importance of women’s participation in leadership roles, their contributions to peacebuilding and sustainable development, and the gender dynamics of leadership.
Overcoming the barriers that women face in these areas is also expected to be a key topic of conversation.
