The UN Security Council continues to act out on its resolution
1325 which states the important role women have to play in “the prevention and
resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping,
humanitarian response and post-conflict reconstruction.” This was the thrust
behind the recent two-day gathering in Douala, Cameroon of key female figures
in the print magazine industry in the Central Africa region by the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). The women came together on the 1st and
2nd of November 2016 for a roundtable to deliberate on launching the
first media platform in the sub-region for women.
The discussion focused on “women, security and conflict management”,
a rather timely subject, giving the present situation in this sub region,
characterised by increasing and recurrent peace and security challenges. The
vital social role played by the media cannot be overemphasized in times of
crisis, in keeping the population informed, hence the justification behind
UNOCA’s initiative in this venture.
Seven influential media professionals from different African
nations were brought together by UNOCA to propel this initiative, amongst whom
was Adeline Sede, the publisher of awards winning FabAfriq Magazine
representing Cameroon. It was a moment of exchange of experiences and proposing
solutions for the emergence of women in the development of a professional and
responsible editorial in favour of conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
The major outcome of this roundtable is the launch of the
network of “Female Publishers for Peace and Security in Central Africa” (Femmes
Editrices pour la Paix & la Sécurité en Afrique Centrale; FEPSAC), headed
by strategic figures in the media, with the seven ladies present for the
roundtable as founding members. Joining FabAfriq’s Adeline Sede were Ms. Melisa
Bendome of Gabon’s “African Leading Ladies”, Ms. Nioni Masela of RDC’s “Optimum
Magazine”, Ms. Peace Hillary Tumwesigire of Rwanda’s “Family Magazine”, Ms.
Librada Ela Asumu of Equatorial Guinee’s EWAISO Magazine, Venicia Guinot of Congo-Brazzaville’s
Tropics Magazine and Mrs. Achta Saleh from Chad. Also present to help facilitate
this launch were key players from UNOCA Mr Karna Soro, Chef de la section
politique, Ms Mirielle Tushiminina, Ms Ecoma Alaga and Axelle Dzikongo.
The founding members are charged with the responsibility to
provide expert advice and promote conversations around topics that favour the
participation of women in the media sector in equal conditions, for building
and maintaining peace in Central Africa.
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Dulce
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