February 25, 2019: For hundreds of years, women have played a vital role in African peace and security. They’ve sacrificed in liberation struggles and offered unique skills in peacekeeping operations.

But women’s contributions have come at a cost. Despite making strides toward representation across the continent’s militaries, women continue to fight harassment and discrimination at all levels of service. And when conflicts subside, they often receive fewer recognitions than their male counterparts. Neverthless, preconceptions about women’s roles and abilities haven’t prevented some female soldiers from ascending to the highest ranks of their country’s militaries.

Read more: African Women Surmount Obstacles to Redefine Their Countries’ Militaries (www.voanews.com)

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