Story by Memory Chamisa
THE inclusion of women has been identified as key in shaping peace agreements, security reforms and post-conflict recovery plans.
This comes as women from various spheres, development partners, government ministries, Women’s Parliamentary Caucus and Civic Organisations came together in Harare this Thursday, focusing on their essential role in maintaining and promoting peace.
Dubbed the Women, Peace and Security Symposium, the interface comes as Zimbabwe joins the rest of the World in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
“This symposium comes in the wake of commendable strides the government has made in ensuring peace is achieved. Women have taken positions that foster peacebuilding, and we have seen women chiefs being installed and ministers in key ministries.
“The 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security is a turning point rather than a commemoration as it recognises the specific impact of conflicts on women and acknowledges women’s essential role in maintaining and promoting peace,” FemWise-Africa member, Ms Michelle Murinda said.
“The Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, launched a handbook to guide parliamentarians on their oversight role in implementing UNSCR 1325. The Parliament of Zimbabwe is also involved in the development of the 2023 to 2027 Zimbabwe National Action Plan (NAP). Parliaments conduct periodic evaluations and receive reports from government bodies on the progress of NAP implementation, holding responsible parties accountable,” Chairperson of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, Senator Maybe Mbowa stated.
“Zimbabwe has embraced this agenda with clarity and purpose. The 2013 Constitution advanced the rights of women and girls across economic, social, and political spheres. Building on that foundation, Zimbabwe adopted a robust National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 2023 to 2027, signalling concrete steps to translate commitments into change on the ground,” UN Resident Representative, Mr Edward Kallon stated.
For the government, women’s role can never be overemphasised, as evident in community dialogues, capacity building initiatives, and efforts to localise peace structures so that women’s voices shape decisions at every level.
“Zimbabwe is committed to continuing to incorporate the ideals of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in its peace and security architecture. As part of her gender mainstreaming policy, Zimbabwe has made huge strides in advancing the cause of women in the defence and security sector. Women are not just being encouraged to join the sector, but have been capacitated and elevated to senior leadership positions. Notable such elevations include that of Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who became the first female Minister of Defence. Currently, 51 percent of members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces deployed on peacekeeping missions are women,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence Mr Aaron Nhepera weighed in.
“Reflecting on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, Zimbabwe has made commendable progress with the 2024 launch of the First-Generation National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, a framework designed to localise and operationalise the principles of UNSCR 1325. This symposium is therefore part of that broader global conversation, serving as a vital platform for national stakeholders to join the global community in commemorating the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, while also engaging with the Beijing+30 Action Agenda at the national level,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Mavis Sibanda said.
The government’s ongoing support for international peace operations is matched by political engagement, including the recent official launch of Zimbabwe’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2027 to 2028.
