NAIROBI, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The African Union on Wednesday called for the adoption of national action plans on women, peace and security in order to enhance the role of women in conflict resolution.
Bineta Diop, AU special envoy on women, peace and security told a global peace forum in Nairobi that so far, 27 African states have developed the plans.
"My office is pushing for the plans so that peace and security is embedded in the national development agenda," Diop said during the Africa regional high-level conference on counter-terrorism and the prevention of violent extremism underway in Nairobi.
Diop said that national action plans should be endorsed by the respective parliaments so that it is mainstreamed by governments.
Diop observed that women should have a leadership seat when critical decisions in conflict resolution and peace building are discussed.
Diop added that the key challenge facing the continental wide adoption of the national action plans is lack of political will.
