Audio By Carbonatix Amid rising terrorism and violent extremism across Africa, calls are growing for women and young people to take a leading role in shaping peace and security efforts on the continent. The appeal for a renewed approach to peacebuilding took centre stage in Dakar, Senegal, where leaders are urging a shift from dialogue to concrete action. Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, said the time had come for women and youth to move from the margins to the forefront of efforts to address conflict and instability. Speaking at the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, he stressed that women and young people must no longer be viewed as passive beneficiaries of peace, but as active architects of sustainable solutions. “After 10 years of dialogue, Africa must now enter a decade of delivery,” he stated. He further underscored the importance of women in peacebuilding, noting that they must be empowered to lead such efforts across the continent. “Women must be made to lead peacebuilding on the continent. It comes to them naturally to be peaceful,” he added. DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Tags: Africa Julius Maada Bio peace and security effort Women DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Related to this story Sucking a woman’s breast does not prevent cancer – Prof Calys-Tagoe Number of women suffering strokes rising – Rev Baidoo warns Middle East war to slow Africa’s growth to 4.2% in 2026 Togo petitions UN to adopt world map showing Africa’s true size Accra hosts Africa workshop on civilian protection from explosive weapons Meeting Africa’s growing demand for finance and accounting professionals Stakeholders convene to tackle barriers facing women in the informal sector ‘Our lands, our voices’ – African women launch historic continental uprising for climate reparations AI Skills Africa leads AI Skills Fest 2026 at Google AI Centre, empowering Ghana’s workforce for the future ‘Behind The Lens with Queen Liz’ explores polygamy in Islam and women’s rights Latest Stories Women and youth must lead Africa’s peace and security efforts — President Julius Maada Bio13 seconds Amoah, Saminu, Azamati headline Ghana squad for World Relays2 minutes Role of US officials killed in crash in Mexico under scrutiny4 minutes New Ghana–Mali shipping deal targets barriers to transit trade6 minutes Court of Appeal dismisses Wontumi’s renewed bid to halt Samreboi mining case12 minutes GES releases critical funds for perishable food procurement17 minutes Waste management in Ashanti may worsen as plastic recyclers shut down over new policies20 minutes Iran warns it has ‘new cards on the battlefield’ ahead of crucial peace talks and ceasefire deadline25 minutes NPA CEO champions women empowerment at launch of NAPET Ladies Week 202628 minutes What is Wrong with Us? When sirens become symbols of power rather than protection29 minutes AMA begins GH¢2 daily toll collection at Kantamanto30 minutes “Act 959 remains active” — Minority insists OSP retains prosecutorial powers42 minutes Adansi United seal Middle League spot with strong finish in Ashanti Division Two48 minutes Mahama’s praise of OSP was “settings” — Minority alleges contradiction in anti-corruption stance55 minutes High Court rejects bid to halt OSP prosecution of Mustapha Hamid and others, adjourns trial to May 261 hour