Over 250 African women from security agencies across the continent are expected to converge in Kigali, today, for a two-day conference under the auspices of Kigali International Conference Declaration (KICD) to redraw strategies of their role in combating crimes, especially violence against women and girls, and child abuse.

The women officers are drawn from police, military and prison services.

The convention, dubbed "Africa Convention of Women in Security Organs,” is organised under the theme, "Women’s impact in security: rethinking strategy.”

It comes as a realisation of the fifth KICD general assembly in Algiers, Algeria, in March.

According to Lynder Nkuranga, the coordinator of the conference, women in security organs play a major role in handling victims of gender-based violence.

"It’s on this note that we will be discussing strategies to have a uniform approach,” Nkuranga said. "Besides that, the convention will reflect on the significant role of women in security organs, share experiences, challenges, lessons learnt and renew commitment in order to enable participants to better understand the emerging international crimes and threats in relation to violence against women and girls, and how women in security organs can position themselves to prevent and respond to the vice,” she added.

The convention, that coincides with the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,’ will also be attended by experts in peace and security and top officials from governments, UN agencies, civil society organisations and other development partners.

Delegates are also expected to discuss the importance of involving women and effectively participating in peace efforts before, during and after conflicts.

At the sidelines of the convention, delegates will also attend the inauguration of a ‘Regional Centre of Excellence’ in gender-related crimes at Rwanda National Police General Headquarters in Kacyiru.

The centre is a continental comprehensive system put in place for the collection, management and sharing of GBV-related best practices and information.

It will also host the KICD secretariat and coordinate its activities, as well as serve as a research centre, capacity building facility, advocacy data collection, information exchange and documentation of best practices.

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