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The stories of women in the Gulf of Guinea exemplify the importance of intentionally involving women in unlocking peace dividends that can strengthen societal resilience. Investing in their inclusion and empowerment catalyses positive multiplier effects in socio-economic transformation and improves resilience.
In a world of rising inequalities and immense challenges, 25 years of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, established through United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, along with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 present a significant opportunity to reflect on the progress women have made in shaping our societies. They also remind us that gender equality requires systemic change, and institutions must lead the way to renew our commitment to investing in women and girls, driving efforts toward inclusive economic growth, protecting our planet, reducing dependency, and fostering peace and stability.
Over 600 million women and girls live in proximity to armed conflict, with conflict-related sexual violence increasing by 50 per cent in 2024 alone. Despite their vital knowledge and expertise, women are often excluded from decision-making in peace and security efforts; however, sustainable peace is only attainable when women have a voice and a seat at the table.
Women at the Heart of Preventing Violent Extremism in the Gulf of Guinea
Peripheral areas and borderlands, often characterised by socio-economic marginalisation and limited welfare services, are increasingly susceptible to the spread of extremist ideologies and narratives. The Journey to Extremism: Pathways to Recruitment and Disengagement report highlights the evolving gender dimensions of violent extremism.
Across Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, women are demonstrating the transformative power of their leadership. With the surge and expansion of violent extremism and transnational crime increasingly threatening the stability of the Gulf of Guinea and Sahel regions, women are stepping forward to breaking the cycles of violence and taking the lead as custodians of peace.
"I learned this trade on the job and I am very happy to receive my first formal training in it. Thanks to this practical training, we could follow the entire process, from dyeing the yarn to weaving. Before this, my knowledge was quite limited regarding mixing colors, measuring dye quantities for the thread, and the various products needed to achieve beautiful colors and ensure the quality of the cloth after weaving. I also gained significant insights into weaving techniques. This marks a new beginning for me, and what I have learned will greatly benefit me as I grow my business. The equipment we are set to receive at the end of the course will be invaluable and will allow us to increase our production". – A young woman in Burkina Faso who participated in one of the livelihood trainings.
Targeting Value Chains to build resilience through sustainable livelihoods
In Côte d'Ivoire’s Ferkessédougou and Bouna regions, women are driving the economic transformation of their communities through the Shea and Cassava value chains. With technical training and infrastructure investment, the skills of 58 leaders from community-based organisations, including 22 women, have significantly improved production capacities and access to markets. The revolutionised processing of shea butter and cassava is boosting productivity and income generation for community members, most of whom are women. Improving the livelihoods of the Shea and Cassava value chains in Ferkessédougou and Bouna has a direct positive impact on women’s resilience to violent extremist ideologies and dynamics and narratives and that of their communities.
"Previously, we worked manually and could barely produce one ton of shea butter in two weeks. Now, with these new machines, we can produce up to five tons per month! The quality has also improved significantly. This initiative has restored our hope and dignity". - Association Member, Côte d'Ivoire
In Togo, more than 100 women entrepreneurs and youth received business support and agricultural inputs, enhancing their resilience against extremist recruitment tactics that exploit economic hardships. Since the drivers of extremism are multiple and complex, socio-economic interventions are complemented with mentorship and community dialogues that promote social cohesion, counter violent extremism narratives, and advance alternative pathways.
Beacons of Hope: Women as Peacebuilders and Community Leaders
In addition to economic resilience, women’s leadership is vital for promoting peacebuilding and preventing conflict. The project actively enhances women's roles in fostering peaceful societies by integrating women into Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) mechanisms, community dialogues, and initiatives to counter hate speech.
In Ghana, more than 2,000 women have participated in peace dialogues, thus building bridges between security forces and local communities. These initiatives amplify women’s voices in decision-making, ensuring inclusive and effective policies and interventions. Meanwhile, in Togo, media training programmes for women in journalism have strengthened their capacities to counter misinformation and advocate for social cohesion and promote peace and tolerance in their communities.
"What we have learned here will help us understand the strategies and various types of hate propaganda, as well as how to counter them to foster peace and cohesion in our societies. The exchanges have allowed us to solidify our knowledge. The realities varied from one community to another. However, through the exchanges, we sought to build cohesion to ensure that at least the roadmaps are harmonized, with consistent strategies targeting the same issues". – Community Leader, participant at a workshop in Natitingou, Benin
Harnessing Women’s Resilience for a Secure Future
The stories of women in the Gulf of Guinea exemplify the importance of intentionally involving women in unlocking peace dividends that can strengthen societal resilience. Women demonstrate notable resilience in tackling the drivers of violent extremism, highlighting their significant yet often untapped potential to empower their communities. A robust gender-sensitive approach and preventive policies, along with a dedicated focus and resources to ensure the inclusion of women and girls, are crucial for bolstering conflict-sensitive prevention mechanisms, including enhanced capacities to assess and mitigate risks. Investing in their inclusion and empowerment catalyses positive multiplier effects in socio-economic transformation and improves resilience.
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The Atlantic Corridor project, “Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism in the Atlantic Corridor” (2023-2025), covering countries of the Gulf of Guinea (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo) and Burkina Faso, is implemented by UNDP in partnership with Australia, Denmark, Germany, and Norway.
