IWPG and AU-Affiliated Education Body Discuss Women’s Education in Conflict Areas at the United Nations

The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) co-hosted a side event at the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) to discuss the role of women’s education in conflict-affected regions.

The event was held on March 11, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the African Union (AU) Mission to the United Nations in New York, in cooperation with the International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (CIEFFA), an AU-affiliated institution.

Focusing on Women’s Education in Conflict-Affected Areas

The event was held under the theme:

“The Role of Girls’ and Women’s Education in Promoting Leadership, Resilience, and Change in Conflict-Affected Communities.”

Participants discussed how access to education for women and girls is not only a matter of rights, but also a key foundation for building peaceful and resilient societies.

Key topics included:

• access to education for women and girls

• the link between education and women’s leadership

• examples of peace education in conflict regions

• the importance of international cooperation

Participation of Government and International Representatives

The event brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, and regional institutions.

Participants included:

• the Minister of Women, Family, and Children of Guinea

• representatives of the Pan-African Parliament Women’s Caucus

• officials from AU member states and UN agencies

Discussions emphasized the need to strengthen policies and cooperation to support women’s education in regions affected by conflict.

Emphasizing Education as a Foundation for Peace

IWPG Chairwoman Yoon-ah Jeon highlighted the challenges women face in conflict situations and stressed the importance of women’s peace education.

She presented IWPG’s key areas of focus, including:

• training women as peace leaders

• expanding practical peace initiatives through solidarity

• promoting the development of international norms related to peace

Gaspar Banyankimbona, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasized that access to education for women must be ensured even in conflict situations.

He also pointed to the need for:

• increased financial support

• stronger policies to protect education

• greater participation of women in decision-making

Strengthening International Cooperation

Other speakers highlighted the importance of cooperation at both national and international levels.

Ramalan Barry, Vice Minister of Women, Family, and Children of Côte d’Ivoire, noted that a peaceful environment is essential for ensuring continuity in girls’ education and emphasized the need for alternative systems when formal education is disrupted.

Mohamed Idris, Ambassador of the African Union Mission to the United Nations, stressed the importance of sharing experiences and lessons within multilateral systems and expressed hope that women’s peace education would expand across more African countries.

The event also reaffirmed the purpose of the AU-led global campaign “Africa Educates Her,” which is currently being implemented in 15 AU member states.

IWPG’s Activities During CSW70

During the CSW70 period, IWPG continued to host and participate in various events in New York.

These included:

• a Peace Talk event introducing the PLACE campaign on March 7

• a university event at Columbia University on March 9 focused on women’s role in peacebuilding

IWPG also sent a delegation to participate in official CSW70 sessions, where it introduced discussions related to the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and the need for international legal frameworks for peace.

About IWPG

IWPG is an international women-led NGO registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC).

The organization operates 115 branches in 122 countries and works with over 900 partner organizations in 68 countries, focusing on women’s leadership, peace education, and international cooperation.

Source: https://vo.la/PqYG8Xw