Mano River Women’s Peace Network (MARWOPNET)

The Mano River Women’s Peace Network (MARWOPNET; Le Réseau Des Femmes Du Fleuve Mano Pour La Paix) was founded in May 2000 under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). MARWOPNET’s mission is to advocate for and promote at all decision-making levels the involvement of women and youth in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict in the Mano River sub-region, throughout Africa and the world. MARWOPNET serves as a catalyst for sustainable peace, human security and justice by ensuring gender responsive policies and building women’s/girls capacity for socio-economic, political empowerment and human development for all.

MARWOPNET has a unique Managing Council of 12 women elected for two year terms (three from Sierra Leone, the country housing the network, five for Guinea and four for Liberia). The network is composed of organizations of women leaders, rural women, women communicators, women politicians and parliamentarians, women’s rights activists, women union members, religious women and business women.