ABSTRACT
Introduction Africa was the source and venue for the establishment of the type of principles and policies articulated in UNSCR 1325 even before the emergence of this UN resolution on women. The Fifth Regional Conference on Women held in Dakar, Senegal, constitutes one of the first steps at the regional level that is in line with the adoption of UNSCR 1325. In November 1994, the Conference adopted the African Platform for Action, which was in effect:
a synthesis of regional perspectives and priorities as well as a framework for action for the formulation of policies and implementation of concrete and sustainable programmes for the advancement of women [. . .] that aims to accelerate the social, economic and political empowerment of all women at all levels and at all stages of their lives.1
