Draft Program

The Great Lakes Region of Africa is endowed with vast natural resources, cultural diversity, and human potential. Yet, it continues to face challenges linked to peace and security, governance, and sustainable development. Women in the region, particularly women parliamentarians, play a critical role in bridging divides, promoting inclusive governance, and addressing root causes of conflict.

The Beijing Platform for Action (1995) emphasizes the need to eliminate barriers and promote women’s leadership and participation. Despite significant progress, women continue to be underrepresented in politics. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) database on women in national parliaments, as of July 1, 2025, women make up an average of 28 % of parliamentarians in the Great Lakes Region.

While significant progress has been made in advancing women’s political participation, gender disparities persist in decision-making processes, and the voices of women leaders are not always sufficiently integrated into peace and security agendas. Recognizing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security, as well as regional instruments such as the ICGLR Protocol on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity, and all forms of Discrimination, the FP-ICGLR seeks to provide a dedicated platform for women legislators to shape policy and
drive change.