Story by John Nhandara
Parliament says it will play an oversight role in the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 which promotes women’s participation in the global peace and security discourse.
The Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda this Friday launched the handbook for parliamentarians which interprets the oversight role that the legislature should play in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
Advocate Mudenda outlined the relevance of UNSCR 1325 in the Zimbabwean context.
“It is a bold statement of strategic and positive reaffirmation of the role that women can play in the global peace and security discourse. The resolution anchored on equal participation and full involvement envisions a global order that places women at the centre of conflict prevention and resolution, negotiation, peacebuilding, humanitarian response and post-conflict reconstruction,” he said.
The handbook will guide parliamentarians in executing their duties.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Mr Aaron Nhepera noted, “The objectives of the handbook are to inform parliamentarians on the substance of the UNCR 1325 and its applicability in Zimbabwe, outline the current women, peace and security gaps and legal frameworks therein guiding parliamentarians on how they can support the domestication and implementation of the resolution.”
“As UN Women, we were partners in making sure parliament get the guidelines in an inclusive gender-responsive approach in conflict prevention and peacebuilding initiatives,” UN Women country representative, Ms Fatou Aminata Lo said.
The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 unanimously adopted in 2000, stresses the importance of equal participation and full involvement of women in efforts to maintain and promote peace and security.
