Algerian Radio
The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) held an open session this Tuesday, chaired by the Kingdom of Eswatini. The session was dedicated to discussing women’s leadership in addressing emerging threats to peace and security, specifically those linked to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
Timed to coincide with the celebration of International Women’s Day, this session reflects the growing concern over the impact of digital transformations on peace and stability in Africa. It also underscores the urgent need to strengthen the role of women in decision-making processes and peace-building efforts.
During the session, member states discussed the growing challenges posed by modern technologies, including the spread of misinformation, defamation campaigns, and digital threats targeting women, particularly female leaders. These factors adversely impact and restrict their participation in the digital sphere and in decision-making processes.
In this context, Algeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Mr. Mohamed Khaled, commended the efforts of the Algerian authorities to promote and advance women’s rights. He specifically highlighted the policies and programs established to combat violence against women, including technology-facilitated violence.
He further emphasized the necessity of strengthening legal, institutional, and policy frameworks to ensure a safe and inclusive digital environment. He called for supporting initiatives that enhance women's participation in technology and digital governance, while urging increased cooperation between member states, regional and international institutions, and civil society to confront emerging digital threats.
The session concluded by reaffirming that empowering women in leadership and ensuring their active participation in both political and digital spheres is a fundamental element for achieving sustainable peace and inclusive development in Africa, especially in light of the rapid technological transformations the world is currently witnessing.
The Peace and Security Council is expected to issue a communiqué outlining the comprehensive set of recommendations reached during this session.
