Khanyisile Nkosi

Khanyisile Nkosi

South Africa will be used as an example of a country that conquered apartheid, when a high-profile female delegation from various countries embark on a trip to promote peace in Sudan and Burma.

Led by the Nobel Women's Initiative (NWI), a non-governmental organisation founded in 2006 by six women Nobel peace laureates, the women will convene at the Burma-Thai border. They will then proceed to Addis Ababa, south Sudan and Chad from next week until August.

Spokesman Kim Wylie said delegates will highlight South Africa and other African nations' potential for positive action in Sudan.

Wylie said: "The delegation will engage with governments, international officials, local women's groups and refugee organisations, and press for national and international action.

"Issues to be tackled will include the role women play in creating sustainable peace in the regions. On each leg of the mission, the group will convene, listen to issues and relay those messages to key women organisations and relevant governments.

"The mission is to amplify women's efforts for peace and justice, with a view to promote effective resolutions to the political crises facing Sudan and Burma," said Wylie.

Jody Williams, 1997 Nobel peace laureate, Mia Farrow, activist and actress, Leymay Gbowee, executive director of Women Peace and Security Network Africa, and Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel peace laureate, will be among the women leading the group.