The African Union, in order to promote and defend common African positions on issues of interest to the continent and its people, awards Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) involved in Youth, Women -an, Peace, and Security.
The award seeks to recognize the significant contributions made by civil society in the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.
This initiative is also in line with the objective of the African Union to create a people-centered community and achieve Agenda 2063 for shared prosperity and well-being, unity and integration, and a continent of free citizens and horizon where the potential of women and youth lies. fully realized.
Six (6) winners who have made significant contributions to the implementation of the WPS and YPS agenda in their community or country will be selected. Candidates must demonstrate that they have made significant contributions in the following areas by completing outstanding projects/activities:
- The prevention of sexual and gender-based violence as well as the protection of women and youth in conflict situations;
- Gender-sensitive conflict prevention, transformation, resolution, and peace consolidation processes;
- An inclusive process of conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and peace building;
- Strengthen the effective and meaningful inclusion of women and youth in the peace process;
- Inclusive stabilization and peacebuilding, including reconciliation, natural resource management, economic recovery, improved livelihoods, reintegration of warring factions, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants will be assessed based on specific criteria including, nominees who have made outstanding contributions to advancing the WPS or JPS agenda through collaboration, leadership, or innovation. The selected winners have inspired others with their courage and dedication.
Community: Nominees are involved in their communities, and their achievements contribute to peace and security efforts as well as decision-making processes.
The CSO:
- Must be an African civil society organization working in the field of youth/women and peace and security in Africa;
- Must be available for at least 3 years and be registered in one of the 55 AU member states
- Must provide evidence of its key achievements in implementing activities related to the WPS/YPS agenda;
- Not being investigated for fraud, or other wrongdoing;
- Must have the capacity to collaborate with the African Union as well as various stakeholders
Selection Process
CSOs eligible for this award are:
- Civil society organizations working on WPS and YPS agenda issues
- Gender-related civil society organizations
- Networks run by or for women
- Networks led by or for youth
- Field/proximity organizations
- Think tank and research institute focusing on WPS and JPS issues
Find more from African Union (AU) website.