The VIDC has set itself the goal of promoting dialogue between experts from the Global South and political representatives in Austria. This cooperation is essential to strengthen Austria's political credibility and capacity to act in its claim to contribute to a safer and more just world.
Five Action Areas and Solutions Proposed
As part of the Africa Strategy, Professor Toni Haastrup, journalist Rosebell Kagumire, and 1325 expert Helen Kezie-Nwoha identified five pathways for advancing Austria’s Africa engagement through the WPS Agenda.
In order to implement all relevant policy areas of Austria's Africa Strategy in an impact-oriented manner, the authors propose close links with the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
- Human Rights: The regression in the observance of women's rights and the strong anti-feminist mobilisations pose a significant security risk.
Solution: Increase resources where funding gaps have already arisen.
- Regional Institutions: Limited financial resources and institutional inertia mean that political measures aimed at stability and peace continue to fail to have the desired effect.
Solution: Supporting regional institutions in their implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda on the African continent.
- Migration and Mobility: Currently, migration continues to be perceived primarily as a ‘crisis’ and a security issue.
Solution: An understanding of human rights-based migration policy based on feminist analysis.
- Climate Justice: Structural inequalities and climate change are currently exacerbating instability and fragile peace in many societies.
Solution: A climate protection policy based on principles of restorative justice.
- Militarisation: Increasing militarisation carries the risk of investment in a global arms race and further spirals of violence.
Solution: Promotion of civil conflict transformation and support for initiatives for nuclear disarmament and arms control.