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The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) participated as a special guest in a Regional Strategic Planning Workshop convened by the Network on Peace and Security for Women in the ECOWAS Region (NOPSWECO), held in Dakar, Senegal, on 11–12 August 2025. The gathering provided a platform for key stakeholders to shape strategies for strengthening women’s participation in peace and security across West Africa.
The two-day workshop aimed to redefine strategic priorities, identify areas for intervention, develop action plans, and foster partnerships to enhance NOPSWECO’s impact in the evolving peace and security landscape of the region. To inform these discussions, participants reviewed a presentation on NOPSWECO’s achievements and challenges over the past 16 years. While the network has successfully established National Chapters in all 15 ECOWAS Member States, its regional influence has been constrained by a number of institutional and operational challenges.
In recognition of its longstanding leadership in building effective peacebuilding networks, WANEP was invited to share its experiences and best practices in developing sustainable, well-coordinated regional structures. WANEP’s Regional Coordinator for Women, Peace and Security highlighted lessons from over two decades of network-building, focusing on governance models, partnerships, and strategies for lasting impact. These insights are expected to inform the development of NOPSWECO’s new five-year strategic plan.
The workshop brought together around 50 participants, including representatives of NOPSWECO’s National Chapters, WANEP, UN Women, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the European Union(EU), and other national and regional stakeholders. Their collective expertise and perspectives enriched discussions on how to strengthen NOPSWECO’s institutional foundations and operational effectiveness.
By contributing its expertise and regional experience, WANEP underscored its leadership role in promoting inclusive peacebuilding. The Organisation remains committed to ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard but also placed at the heart of decision-making processes for peace and security in West Africa.
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