Through this 50th edition of Women’s World, we contribute to the body of feminist knowledge on the experiences and agency of women affected by forced displacement as a result of conflict, political turmoil or insecurity in Africa. This focus aligns with the African Union’s theme for the year 2019, as the Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa: Towards a Durable Solution to Forced Displacement.
As Africa seeks to address the challenges associated with a growing number of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons, it is even more critical that we ensure women and girls, and their priorities, are at the centre of any solutions. In the absence of truly gender-responsive solutions (backed by political will and accountability), efforts, partnerships and structures tackling forced displacement will not achieve the desired results.
