Mainstreaming gender in the African Peace and Security Architecture. The AU Panel of the Wise as a driver for gender equality

The African Union Panel of the Wise has been established in 2007 as a pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). Mandated with conflict prevention, it has become a central actor in the mainstreaming of gender issues at the African Union. Introducing the institution and the Gender, Peace and Security architecture of the African Union (AU), this paper is presenting an analysis of gender practices of the panel. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data, gathered through interviews, as well as a discursive analysis of the yearly reports of the AU Peace and Security Council to the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the author presents evidence for the role the AU Panel of the Wise in mainstreaming gender issues in the APSA.