In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the inspiring world of young women peacebuilders in Africa. Discover how these remarkable individuals foster intergenerational dialogue and co-leadership to promote good governance, peace, security, and development across the continent. Join us as we explore the African Union's Youth for Peace program and hear from influential leaders like Dr. Rhuks Ako and Hannah Lema, founder of Addis Powerhouse. We also hear the experiences of two female ex-combatants from the Central African Republic and the impact of limited access to DDR processes. Their insights and experiences shed light on young women's critical role in peacebuilding and the challenges they face. Don't miss out on these powerful stories and learn how you can support the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Listen now and stand for peace with Africa's young women peacebuilders.

In this episode of She Stands for Peace, we turn our attention to peace agreements, asking how we can meaningfully promote women's inclusion and address the barriers faced by women and local civil society in peace negotiations. Despite a reported decline in women's participation in UN-led peace processes from 23% in 2020 to 19% in 2021, there are notable examples of progress, such as the gender provisions in the Lo Nuer-Dinka Bomule Action for Peace Agreement in South Sudan.

We hear from Dr. Koiti Emily, who shares her experiences as a youth representative in the IGAD High-Level Revitalization Forum and emphasizes the importance of youth and women's representation in peace processes. Additionally, Carol Baudouin, Security Sector Reform Chief at MINUSCA, discusses making women's participation a prerequisite in peace negotiations. Halal Al Karib, Regional Director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), provides insights into the consequences of excluding gender from peace processes, drawing on the situation in Sudan. She highlights that neglecting women's roles and experiences leads to alienation and perpetuates cycles of conflict.