African women have shown strength, tenacity and steadfastness in working to build peace and reconcile conflicts in their communities, countries and continent. The past two years in particular have proved to be an exciting and productive time for Femmes Africa Solidarité, as we have witnessed significant accomplishments in terms of integrating a gendered perspective into the peacemaking process. Most notable perhaps, has been the commitment to establishing a Pan-African Centre for Gender, Peace and Development in Dakar, Senegal with the vision of encouraging knowledge dissemination between African women leaders, international organizations and communities of women working for peace and security on the ground.

In light of these successes, I am delighted to share our accomplishments with you from the past two years; and I ask you to join with me in celebrating our progress in the pursuit of conflict prevention, women's leadership, and engendering the peace process in Africa.

The launch of the African Gender Forum and the African Gender Award is an important moment in the history of Femmes Africa Solidarité, and a stepping stone towards our future goals and aspirations. The African Gender Forum is an opportunity to create an on-going dialogue across borders, and I am proud of the diversity of contributions we enjoy from various communities, countries and sectors of society. I would also like to extend my warmest congratulations to the 1st recipients of the inaugural African Gender Award: H.E. Mr. Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal; and H.E. Mr. Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, and thank them for their continued support of women's advancement and gender equality.

I look forward to working with the distinguished members of the selection committee in recognize and celebrating the vision and achievements of those African Leaders who are working for gender equity, peace and development.

Yours in solidarity,
Bineta Diop