Origin of FAS
Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS) is a women's non-governmental organization (NGO) working to engender the peace process in Africa. Since its inception in 1996, FAS has worked to foster, strengthen and promote the leading role of women in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts on the African continent.
FAS recognizes that women are disproportionately affected by violent conflicts. However, rather than perceiving women only as passive victims, FAS acknowledges that women are also active agents with skills, strengths, and the ability to bring about change. With this in mind, FAS works to strengthen the capacities of grassroots women's organizations so that they can participate fully in the processes of peacebuilding and conflict resolution in their countries and communities.
FAS has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR). It is also represented in the African Union Women's Committee, originally created by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to bring women's voices into the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts in Africa. In addition, FAS chairs the Geneva Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, which works to monitor the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
