Statement of African Union, October, 2015.

Africa has decided to have women at the center of its agenda. In 2014 our leaders adopted an ambitious agenda aiming to bring peace and prosperity in Africa, Agenda 2063. It is unique in its approach as it translates the aspirations of our people "THE AFRICA WE WANT' in the 50 years to come. Agenda 2063 is a people's centered development. In its aspiration 6, Agenda 2063 aims to ensure that all forms of violence against women are eliminated and that women are fully empowered to contribute to a people-driven Africa. The 53 Member States have declared 2015 the year of women empowerment and 2016 the year of women human rights. No doubt that the women agenda is absolutely necessary to achieve peace.