AU Special Envoy calls for more increased women participation in peace building

WINDHOEK, 16 OCT (NAMPA) - The African Union's Special Envoy on Women, Liberata Mulamula, has urged the international community to intensify efforts to ensure women’s full participation in peace and security processes.
She made the call while addressing a delegation of leaders at the silver jubilee commemoration of United Nations Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, held in Windhoek on Thursday. The event was attended by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, as well as former African heads of state, including Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic, and Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia, alongside South Africa’s Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
Mulamula reflected on the milestone achievements of the resolution, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that persist in advancing gender equality in conflict resolution.
“We are here because Namibia had the courage, 25 years ago, to take a stand in the UN Security Council and ask, ‘Why are women not part of the conversation on peace and security?’” she remarked, praising the role of Nandi-Ndaitwah, who, as former Deputy Minister of International Relations, was instrumental in introducing the resolution on women, peace and security.
Mulamula also emphasised the significance of this year as a double anniversary, marking both the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325 and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration.
She acknowledged the progress made in integrating women into peace processes but stressed that significant gaps remain.
“Women’s involvement in peace processes has been proven to make peace more sustainable, just, and inclusive. Yet, in many parts of the world, we continue to face protracted conflicts and emerging security threats,” she said.
She further noted that several regions, including Sudan, the Great Lakes and the Sahel, continue to be affected by conflict, adding that women’s potential to influence peace and security remains largely untapped.
Resolution 1325 urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts.
(NAMPA)
EB/HP/AS