Accra, Ghana, Imara Leadership Initiative Co-Managing Director Ms.Petrider Paul who also serves as a member of the African Union FemWise Africa took part in the capacity building programme for mediation support experts convened by the African Union Commission (AUC), through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS under the theme “Mainstreaming Child Protection in Mediation Efforts and Peace Processes.” The training aims to equip mediation experts with the knowledge and practical tools to integrate child protection and participation principles into peacebuilding processes across the continent.
Building Expertise for Inclusive Peace
The workshop brought together experts, policymakers, and practitioners from across Africa to enhance understanding of the unique challenges children face in conflict settings, participants explord international and continental frameworks on child protection, with a focus on ensuring that peace negotiations and post-conflict recovery efforts prioritize the rights and voices of children.
The opening ceremony will be led by Dr. Isabela Moses Warioba, Partnerships and Child Protection Advisor at the AUC’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, alongside Ms. Chantal Mutamuriza from Save the Children, representing the Secretariat to the Africa Platform on Children Affected by Armed Conflicts (AP-CAAC). They will be joined by Hon. Prof. Robert Doya Nanima, Member of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) and Special Rapporteur on Children Affected by Armed Conflict, as well as Ms. Gloria Kabage, Senior Programme Officer in the AUC’s Mediation and Dialogue Division.
A Comprehensive Training Agenda
The programme featured a series of sessions covering:
- Introduction to Child Protection in Conflict Situations – led by Dr. Kijala Shako
- Normative Frameworks on Child Protection at international and continental levels – presented by Dr. Ntandokayise Ndhlovu
- Integrating Child Protection and Participation in Mediation Processes – facilitated by Ms. Fiona Otieno
- Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines for Child Participation across mediation stages – guided by Prof. Robert Nanima
Participants will also engage in group discussions and practical breakout sessions to apply learned principles to real-world mediation contexts.
A Shared Commitment to Protecting Children
This initiative underscores the African Union’s ongoing commitment to advancing child rights, peace, and security, and aligns with the objectives of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the AU Agenda for Children: Fostering an Africa Fit for Children.
About Imara Leadership Initiative (ILI):
Imara Leadership Initiative is dedicated to building ethical, accountable, and transformative leaders in Tanzania and across Africa by focusing on youth empowerment, leadership training, and democratic engagement, ILI plays a vital role in shaping a new generation of leaders who are prepared to address the challenges of governance and development.
For partnerships and inquiries information please contact us via Ms. Sarah Masuma | Programmes Lead E-mail: info@imaraleadership.org
