As we celebrate the 112th International Women’s Day on this Friday, 8th March 2024, Africa Center for Engendered Security (ACES – Africa Center) recognizes the anchor role played by women in building resilient families, and peaceful, secure and cohesive society. While reflecting on the importance of women in struggle for freedom and eventual liberation of Africa, Thomas Sankara once said “May my eyes never see and my feet never take me to a society where half the people are held in silence”.
In our collective efforts to keep our countries safe from all forms and manifestations of terrorism –we must endeavor to recognize and honor the women in our midst who have continued to play pivotal role in preventing violent extremism, battling insurgents providing safe anchorage to our nation, and in this region. We can’t win the war against terrorism with half of our troops roaring in deafening silence and inactivity. From our homes, to the boardrooms, in the trenches and frontlines women are uniquely placed in this battle.
For this reason, we at ACES – Africa Center while acknowledging that there are many women out there who are excelling in keeping our country safe and inspiring our next generation of champions against violent extremism, we have singled out 18 women whose work speaks to our hearts and our minds.
- Fatima Zaman – Bangladeshi activist
- Farida Khalaf – Yazidi survivor
- Leymah Gbowee – Liberian peace activist
- Phylis Muema – Founder KECOSCE
- Defense Mghoi – 1st Woman (SYLO)
- Annette Kimitei – Chair of KEPSA Security Sector Board & CEO of SENECA Security Services
- Brigadier Joyce Sitiene – Director, International Peace Support Training Center
- Judy Lamet – AIG Director, Internal Affairs Unit
- Judy Kibinge – Kenyan film maker and writer
- Monicah Kimeu – Founder & Executive Director, Women in Security (WISE)
- Dr. Emily Okuto – Peace and conflict lecturer and consultant
- Dr. Rosalind Nyawira – Director National Counter Terrorism Center
- Tabitha Ndanu – Senior Superitendent of the Administration Police
- Ruth Dinda – Commander of AFSWAT
- Shilda Kageshi
- Ikran Hussein
- Ms. Fauziya Ali – Founder & President of WIIS-HoA
- Millicent Alambo, SSP – Kenya Police Service
