 Since 2011, U.S. Africa Command has taken a leading role in the Department of Defense efforts to advance the inclusion of women in all aspects of peacekeeping and security. I've seen firsthand the role that women can play over the last 30 years in war zones from Yugoslavia to Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Somalia, that's a hell in the Lake Chad Basin. I've also seen how the U.S. military has changed as it introduced and expanded the role of women in the armed forces. From my first ship, where I was the only woman aboard, to now running the intelligence directorate at U.S. Africa Command, we face hard, complex problems in Africa. And the greatest diversity of thought and perspective, as well as access to the best talent, is essential in our progress in building a secure, prosperous Africa. There are over 500 million women on the continent of Africa, whose perspectives and talent are an underutilized resource within the security sector. Since 2018, I have been privileged to have led and participated in numerous engagements to promote women peace and security objectives. From joint communication workshops, women's intelligence training, and events hosted by our U.S. ambassadors on the continent, these events have promoted women's integration in the military, the role of women in security operations, and how to reduce gender-based violence. The women I've had the opportunity to work with, the Niger, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and Morocco, have both impressed me and inspired me with their drive and desire to serve their countries. It was an honor to watch these women graduate from their programs, grow their network of women leaders, and go on to make a real impact in the security and stability of their countries. In collaboration with our European allies and our African partners, we can build a new and better future for African women to become true change agents and builders of their peace and security in their communities.