In 1996 FAS was funded in Geneva to promote and reinforce the role of women in conflict resolution and peace building in Africa, advocate for increased attention to the concerns of African women on issues of peace and security at the national, regional and international levels, empower women to take leadership roles in peace building for sustainable development and mainstream gender into policies and programmes relating to peace, security and development.

Mission

• give value to women’s initiatives, enhance their capabilities and promote their rights as fully fledged participants in peace-making and peace- building in their countries;
• empower women through training programmes to give them the capacity to participate and contribute in decision-making processes;
• work towards the creation of a new social system which allows women to have equal access to responsibilities and decision-making;
• build networks among women and strengthen their capacities as a group to enable them to make an impact;
• build FAS’ coalition through linkage with partners to avoid duplication and to maximize resources.
• encourage and support women in developing self-reliance and self-confidence in the struggle to institutionalize gender equality in national and sub-regional efforts to consolidate the peace process.
• document and share best practices of women in conflict resolution and peace building.

Operating areas

• the Mano River (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) and the Great Lakes Region (Burundi, Rwanda and DRC) are FAS’ main areas of intervention and it has recently started working in Sudan. FAS has developed a range of activities to empower women and enhance their role in peace processes. FAS carried out lobbying and advocacy at the national, regional and international level.
• The Gender is My Agenda Campaign (GMAC) is another project developed to empower women. The GMAC’s main objective is to ensure that the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa is implemented. It also holds an African Gender Award every two years to reward African leaders who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in encouraging peace and development through the implementation of gender-sensitive measures. Forming partnerships and building alliances are vital both within Africa and at the international level.
• FAS works to initiate effective dialogue between women and actors involved in the peace process such as Heads of State, community leaders, political parties and rebel groups. The Pan African Centre for Gender, Peace and Development centre offers short courses and training workshops on conflict resolution, leadership and women’s economic empowerment. FAS does research in the areas of: gender and development, gender-based violence, women’s best practices, peace building and modern conflicts.

Collaborations