The African Women’s Peace Torch – The Lighting Ceremony
Venue: Verandah/entrance of the UNCC

7th African regional Conference on Women (Beijing +10)
8-14 October, 2004 – Addis Ababa

Background

The historic lighting of the African Women Peace Torch will be one of the highlights of the Seventh African Regional Conference. The African Women’s Peace Torch has traveled across the continent - from South Africa, Angola, Kenya, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, Mali, Liberia, Ethiopia – delivering messages of peace and solidarity to women in conflict countries before proceeding to the Beijing for the opening of the NGO Forum of the Fourth World Conference on Women. Since 1995, the Torch has traveled throughout the continent, where it has become a symbol of African women’s quest for peace, freedom and development. It is anticipated that the Torch will travel throughout the continent, from one conflict-affected country to another in the course of 2004, sending messages of peace and hope for the women of the continent.

The Sequence of the Lighting Ceremony

1. African women from the Great Lakes Region will bring the torch to the Conference-- a symbol of peace and African women’s struggle during times of war and violent conflict. In an elaborate and moving ceremony, four women from the Great Lakes Region, escorted by fellow African sisters from conflict countries and members of the Federation of African Women Peace Networks (FERFAP) will present the Torch to the Chair of the Conference before the opening session of the 7th African Regional Conference on Women.
(8th October 2004, 8:45am)

2. The Peace Torch will remain lit throughout the duration of the conference.
(8-14 October 2004) Photo Gallery

3. On 14 October 2004, at the end of the Heads of States and Government Roundtable
(after 17:30), (The program will be available soon)