DCAF strengthens women's leadership in Sahel defense and security forces

Organized by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance DCAF, the event brings together about twenty women from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all members of the Alliance of Sahel States AES. This workshop aims to promote the effective participation of women in security institutions and equip gender focal points to become agents of change, capable of influencing strategic directions within their respective structures to address gender inequalities and persistent structural obstacles. Over three days, participants will engage in training sessions on leadership development, institutional advocacy, and experience sharing.

A technical advisor, representing the Minister in charge of Security, highlighted the initiative's relevance, noting that gender consideration in the AES region is crucial for women to become peacekeepers, contributing to state resilience and sovereignty. She emphasized the need for frank discussion to identify concrete actions for better integration of women into decision-making processes. Fatoumata Nana Benon/Yatassaye, the Minister's representative, stated that the government of Faso is keen to examine the workshop's findings, recognizing that a "total response" to the terrorist threat requires women's leadership, which offers a holistic approach to human security, integrating psychos