Leveraging Experience: Lessons from the AU Panel of the Wise for Women, Peace, and Security
The African union Panel of the Wise has emerged as a crucial instrument for advancing women’s inclusion within AU initiatives and amplifying their expertise. Notably, the FemWise-Africa network, launched in early 2025, provides a readily available roster of skilled mediators and experts for AU PAPS deployments, demonstrating a strategic adaptation to the evolving needs of peacemaking on the continent. This approach underscores the Panel’s commitment to solidifying the AU’s authority and engaging with influential figures within the African context.
FemWise-Africa’s success highlights the Panel’s effectiveness in creating tangible opportunities for women. Beyond providing a platform for visibility, it has facilitated secondments to AU Liaison Offices and enabled participation in gender-focused monitoring during Election Observation Missions. The network’s co-chairs function as vital advocates, frequently enough serving as the primary voice for women’s concerns during critical negotiations and high-level discussions.
However, the Panel’s impact extends beyond direct representation.It actively champions women’s inclusion across various AU structures, complementing the work of dedicated departments like the AU’s Gender Program, the Special Envoy on WPS, and the Directorate for Women, Gender and Youth. These institutions, focused on protecting women’s rights, preventing gender-based violence, and ensuring participation, are essential for holding power accountable and driving urgent action. Recognizing the value of these dedicated bodies reinforces the importance of the Panel of the Wise as a model for integrating gender equality and the WPS agenda into broader conflict prevention strategies.
The Panel operates within a formal institutional framework, strategically positioning its members and supporting staff to advance the WPS agenda. Through research, formal reporting, and the creation of a visible network of female mediators and experts, it legitimizes women’s leadership and advocates for their participation within the African Union Commission. This focus on elevating elite women to decision-making tables operates on a scale of representation and aspirational politics, fostering normative change while recognizing the importance of supporting grassroots movements within local communities.
Ultimately, the strength of the AU Panel of the Wise lies in its ability to weave gender equality into the very fabric of conflict prevention. Ensuring women’s voices are heard and empowering them to shape government policies is paramount. The Panel’s 18 years of experience, combined with the lessons learned over the past 25 years since the adoption of UNSCR 1325, provides a valuable foundation. Moving forward, a comprehensive approach – one that embraces both the institutionalization of the WPS agenda and robust gender mainstreaming across all AU directorates – is crucial. Every mediator must prioritize inclusivity, and every government must uphold laws protecting women, ensuring a future where peace and security are truly equitable and lasting.
