regulatory as well as monitoring frameworks and human and institutional capacities.347 The APRM is well placed to work with national institutions to focus on strengthening AU and UN frameworks that promote the women peace and security agenda and safeguards the rights of IDPs and refugees. Ensuring that gender and peacebuilding considerations are mainstreamed in its work with states, citizens and the private sector is important and the APRM can provide country level entry points for adoption and domestication of the standards of APSA and AGA. Given the important role of RECs/RMs in women, peace and security, adopting Regional Action Plans at this level can help to expedite the adoption of respective members states’ action plans. Together with member states, the RECs/RMs can develop monitoring frameworks to track implementation of the NAPs’ convergence towards the objectives of the women. peace and security agenda. RECs can furthermore encourage more member states to join the APRM governance mechanisms and undertake reviews with a view to converging on governance standards. The African Union Gender Strategy (2018-2028) raises the dilemma of women affected by forced migration due to conflict, who are at risk of not only of rape and violence but also being trafficked. By RECs/RMs strengthening their cooperation modalities within and across their configurations, as has been done in the COMESA, EAC and IGAD project for example or the Lake Chad Regional Strategy, increased oversight over proliferation and trading in arms, transnational crime can help to combat these crimes through sharing of cooperation security and jurisdiction powers. National level What governance processes need to be prioritised and strengthened? All the 8 resolutions following UNSCR 1325 (2000) reaffirm the international community’s concern that member states should transcend the mould of women being cast as merely victims to endow women with agency and leadership to make decisions around conflict prevention, peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The processes through which decisions are made, particularly through elective and appointment office, need to be targeted for redistribution of power and decision making. It is essential that 347 NEPAD/HSGIC-03-2003/APRM/Guideline/OSCI 9 March 2003 110

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