The AfWID launch in 2018, attended by 1000 women largely from 16 SADC countries and beyond, set the bar for this year’s inclusive dialogue, attended by over 1000 women from all 55 African countries.
The Dialogue took place from 4 to 8 November 2019 at Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa.
AFWID 2019 Theme
Our 2019 theme, “Women’s voice and power as agents of change”, urged us to among other things critically reflect on the impending anniversaries of UNSCR 1325 and Beijing +25. We further noted the significance of this year wherein over 33 African countries held national elections. Elections by nature should herald peace, security, hope, and a departure from the past into a better future. However, some are marred by conflict, displacement, and violence. It was therefore pertinent to reflect on the UNSCR 1325 three Ps: Participation, Protection and Prevention, as well as the value of using dialogue as a tool for peace-building. Fortunately, a month before the dialogue, on a rare and unprecedented occurrence, the AfWID secretariat was invited to address the UN Security Council of the role of women and dialogue in peace-building processes.
We look forward to sharing the 2019 AfWID report as soon as it’s finalised.
As per tradition, the theme was unpacked, leading to various lessons learnt and insights gained that were useful to advance the movement.
