AWEPA has been focusing on gender mainstreaming in parliaments and on the participation and empowerment of women through the following actions:

• workshops on the empowerment of women MPs and gender mainstreaming
• the support of national and regional women's caucuses and gender networks
• the support for the active participation of national and regional women's caucuses and gender networks in conferences
• inviting gender-balanced delegations to AWEPA conferences

HIV/AIDS

In HIV/AIDS related programmes special consideration is given to the fact that women in general, and girls in particular:

• are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS
• are disproportionately affected by the epidemic
• are being infected at an earlier age than men
  

There are dramatic increases in HIV infection among young women, who now make 60% of the 15-24 year olds living with HIV/AIDS.

Democracy in GLR and NEPAD

Poverty reduction

The poverty reduction programme aspects of these programmes take into consideration that women are the majority of people living in poverty and that this feminisation of poverty will require democratic participation and changes in economic structures in order to ensure access for all women to resources, opportunities and public services. In order to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development, women and men must participate fully and equally in the formulation of macroeconomic and social policies and strategies for the eradication of poverty.

Private sector development

The private sector development issues address the need for equal women's representation and gender awareness within the private sector.

Environment and water

More frequently responsible for the family's wellbeing and home, women and girls are the first ones concerned with water penury or quality as well as with the state of the environment and therefore their voice must be given credence on the political agenda.

Conflict Management and Peacebuilding

AWEPA endorses the UN General Assembly Resolution 1325, that outlines that women can no longer be excluded and have important contributions to make with regard to peacebuilding and conflict management.

One of the three main chapters of the research report focuses on: African Women at the Forefront; Understanding the Impact of Women MPs on Peace, Security and Decision-Making.