As global power competition intensifies and armed conflicts become more protracted, the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda faces increasing challenges. In a world where democracy and equality norms often take a back seat to geopolitical interests and security concerns, how can we sustain engagement with the WPS agenda, particularly in Africa? This conference seeks to address this question by bringing together leading academics, practitioners, and policymakers to explore the evolving landscape of WPS and the ways in which actors can continue to advance the agenda in Africa despite these constraints.

Panel 1: The Broader State of WPS in an Era of Geopolitical Competition
This panel will take a broader view of the WPS agenda, discussing the structural challenges it faces in a world where security concerns often overshadow commitments to gender equality. Panelists will address:

• The effects of shifting global power dynamics on WPS priorities in Africa.
• Strategies to maintain and strengthen international and regional commitments to WPS.
• The role of civil society and grassroots movements in keeping WPS at the forefront of policy discussions.

Speakers:

– Jonna Naumanen, EEAS, Senior advisor to the Ambassador for Gender and Diversity – TBC

– Sandra Melone, Elles du Sahel

– Cristina Barrios, Political Officer for EU EEAS

Panel 2: Case Studies of WPS Implementation and/or women’s roles in African ContextsThis panel will focus on the implementation of the WPS agenda in specific African countries, drawing on case studies to examine both progress and setbacks. Speakers will highlight experiences from different regions, reflecting on the role of local women’s movements, international actors, and national policies in shaping outcomes. Key issues to be discussed include:

• The impact of ongoing conflicts on women’s participation in peace processes.
• The role of African regional organizations in promoting WPS commitments.
• Case studies of innovative approaches to advancing gender-responsive security policies.

Speakers:

• Jenny Lorentzen, NUPI
• Maria Martin d’Amalgro, Ghent University
• Floor Keuleers, International Crisis Group
• Nina Wilén, Egmont Institute & Lund University
• Nina Soudan, KUL Leuven

Conference Objectives
This conference aims to:

1. Assess the current state of WPS in Africa amidst changing global security landscapes.
2. Identify effective strategies to maintain momentum for gender-sensitive peace and security initiatives.
3. Foster dialogue between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers on sustaining and advancing the WPS agenda.

By convening experts and stakeholders, this conference seeks to generate actionable insights and strengthen collaborations that will ensure continued commitment to WPS in Africa, even in an increasingly volatile and competitive global environment.

(Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)