African women are underrepresented in senior political, legislative and judicial positions and in peace and security institutions and processes at the national, regional and international level, including preventative diplomatic efforts. Failure to include women in decision-making in key governance structures and processes risks results in regulatory, financial and programmatic outcomes that do not respond to women’s rights, reinforcing gender inequality. This has been borne out in various peace processes, to the detriment of women and girls. A global study on the global implementation of UNSCR 1325 found that in a 40 case study research project, the strong presence and participation of women’s collectives in peace processes produced positive results at the commencement, continuation and conclusion of negotiations and in the building of consensus positions. Despite this, it is estimated that out of 1,168 peace agreements signed between January 1990 and January 2014 globally, only 18 percent made any references to women or gender. When ensuing peace processes and agreements are not comprehensively responsive to the concerns and interests of women, the post conflict recovery phases reflect similar omissions, frustrating sustainable peace. The UN Secretary General in 2004 noted that, ‘the absence of women from the peace table results in insufficient attention to and reflection of their concerns in peace agreements. Furthermore, a peace process that fails to include women in agenda-setting, substantive talks and implementation raises questions about the democratic legitimacy of the process and lacks the inclusiveness to generate any sense of ownership among women. This can undermine the prospects for the durability of the agreement and sustainable peace.’1 The UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and eight subsequent related resolutions note the low momentum in attaining the increased participation of women in peace processes and integration of gender issues in peace processes. The UN Security Council continues to urge states to engage women and men in decisionmaking in peacebuilding on an equal basis and for the dismantling of gender barriers to the full realisation of the aspirations and targets of UNSCR 1325. The African Union has taken several initiatives to provide leadership in this regard. 1 Report of the Secretary-General ‘Women’s equal participation in conflict prevention, management and conflict resolution and in post-conflict peace-building’ March 2004 22 December 2003 5