PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate release)
ATMIS PR/06/2023
SRCC and Head of ATMIS celebrates the contributions of women to peace processes
Mogadishu – On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, congratulates all female peacekeepers serving in the mission and women across the world for their tireless efforts and immense contributions to security and stability in the region and the continent.
“Today, we take this opportunity to reflect and recognize the unique role women play in advancing peace and development and celebrate their achievements globally”, he intimated.
In line with Agenda 2063 of the Africa strategic framework, which aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development, ATMIS recognizes and supports gender equality as a key enabler for development.
This year, ATMIS is adapting the global theme to a peacekeeping context, “Gender Equality through innovative peacekeeping”, as a reminder of the vital contributions of women in peace support operations.
ATMIS is cognizant of the urgent need to increase the involvement of women in peace support operations by embracing technology and innovation to bridge the digital divide and open more spaces and opportunities for women and girls. In this regard, we call for the scaling up of investment in women and girls through equal access to education, creation of jobs and opportunities to empower them economically and justice to lift up communities and all.
The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women (Maputo Protocol), adopted by the AU member states in 2003, advocates for safeguarding the rights of women and girls on the continent.
ATMIS advocates for workplace policies that promote gender equality and ensure that women have access to equal opportunities as men, including participating in decision-making on matters relating to peace and security, and for social cohesion.
I salute the gallant female uniformed personnel of the Somali Security Forces and ATMIS, who have remained steadfast and continue to serve tirelessly on the frontline in the ongoing efforts to restore peace, security and stability to Somalia and the continent.
I pay special tribute to all the 923 and 191 ATMIS female Military and Police officers respectively, for their selfless and extraordinary contributions to the peace process in Somalia.
ATMIS also lauds the progress made by the Federal Government of Somalia in the protection of women and girls, advancing their social, political, and economic rights and, particularly, the launch of the Somali National Action Plan (NAP) to implement the Somali Women’s Charter and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325).
ATMIS stands with the people of Somalia to ensure a stable and secure Somalia, promoting causes for gender equality and increased inclusion of women in all spheres of life, for the advancement of the entire Somalia.
_________________
For more information contact
Snr. Communications Officer Ms. Gifty Bingley
or Force Spokesperson Lt. Col. A. Ganale
Email: atmismediacenter@gmail.com
Cell phone: (Somalia) +252 617 682 175/+252 613 665 356; (Nairobi) +254 722 586005