Pitt stop in Johannesburg: Angelina Jolie makes an appearance at African Union Summit on international tour

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 10:44 EST, 12 June 2015 | Updated: 16:21 EST, 12 June 2015

Angelina Jolie appeared at an African Union summit in South Africa on Friday. 

The actress, who is also a U.N. special envoy on refugee issues, spoke about rape as a weapon of warfare and asked African representatives to support women's rights.

It was the latest destination in a whistle-stop international tour for the actress, who has visited the UK and France in the last week. 

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Star power: Angelina Jolie at the African Union (AU) summit in Johannesburg on Friday 

Angelina Jolie speaks to empower women at AU Summit

Jolie had been invited to speak on women and conflict at the Sandton Convention Centre, on Friday.

She shared a panel with the African Union Commission Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former British Foreign Secretary William Hague and Senegalese activist Bineta Diop.

Zainab Bangura, who is the U.N.'s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict was also in attendance.

Jolie said: 'There is a global epidemic of violence against women – both within conflict zones and within societies at peace – and it is still treated as a lesser crime and lower priority.

UN ambassador: The 40-year-old actress spoke about rape as a weapon of warfare

African Union summit: Jolie joined Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and former British foreign secretary William Hague

'The near-total impunity that exists worldwide for crimes against women in conflict zones in particular, means that we are seeing more and more armed groups turn to it as a weapon of choice: Women and girls are bearing the brunt of extremists that revel in treating them barbarically'

The Unbroken director was seen in a dark tweed Michael Kors dress and nude heels and her dark locks tied in a smart ponytail.

She went on to pay tribute to African victims for their 'extraordinary resilience, dignity and strength in the face of trials that would break any of us.

'They are some of the most formidable and impressive people I have ever met and they deserve better than to be left alone to suffer,'

Doing her bit: Jolie posed alongside Hague and Dlamini-Zuma before the panel began

Jolie said: 'There is a global epidemic of violence against women – both within conflict zones and within societies at peace – and it is still treated as a lesser crime and lower priority'

Jolie closed her speech by saying that the solution needs to be pioneered by women themselves.

'We need policies for long-term security that are designed by women, focused on women, executed by women – not at the expense of men, or instead of men, but alongside and with men,'

She said 'There is no greater pillar of stability than a strong, free and educated woman, and there is no more inspiring role model than a man who respects and cherishes women and champions their leadership.'

According to The Telegraph Hague, 54, vowed to use his 'unusual alliance' with Jolie to continue fighting sexual violence in the world’s most troubled regions. 

Hollywood in SA: The star's appearance drew a large crowd to the convention centre’s main auditorium

Important responsibility: Jolie was appointed the role of Special Envoy in 2012

He explained that he and the actress had accepted the invite - which was rare for outsiders - to attend the summit in hopes of persuading the mainly male African leaders to take responsibility for the epidemic.

Jolie was spotted catching a flight out of London on Thursday with her 11-year-old son Pax to head to South Africa.

It had been speculated that the family were celebrating the actress' recent 40th birthday at Kruger National Park's luxurious Singita Lebombo Lodge. 

Praise: Jolie went on to pay tribute to African victims for their 'extraordinary resilience, dignity and strength in the face of trials that would break any of us.'

Pressing matters: It had been speculated that Jolie was heading to South Africa to celebrate her recent 40th birthday at Kruger National Park's luxurious Singita Lebombo Lodge.

Earlier in the week Jolie and husband Brad Pitt stunned travellers on a flight from Paris to Nice where they flew economy with their children.

The couple and their children Maddox, 13, Pax, 11, Zahara, 10, Shiloh, nine and six-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne, dutifully lined up with their fellow passengers for the quick flight as they travelled to their estate Chateau Miraval in Correns. 

Jolie was appointed the role of Special Envoy in 2012 and has been focusing 'on major crises resulting in mass population displacements; undertaking advocacy and representing UNHCR and Guterres at the diplomatic level; and engaging with decision-makers on global displacement issues.'

The country was abuzz after Jolie's arrival was revealed and it wasn't long before her name was trending.

Hope for the future: Jolie called for a solution tailored to and pioneered by women 'not at the expense of men, or instead of men, but alongside and with men'

Understated: The actress wore a wool Michael Kors dress for the event 

Angelina Jolie visits Syrian refugees in Jordan

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