Women play a pivotal role in peace processes
Hon. Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister at the launch of the exhibition on UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
She aired this at the official opening of the exhibition showcasing the involvement of Namibian women in peace processes, as part of the commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
“This exhibition held under the theme; ‘Women Lead the Way as Agents of Peace and Security,’ is appropriate and timely as it underscores the prominent role played by women in conflict prevention, resolution and post-war peacebuilding,” she said.
She said the United Nations needs to engage more women in high level decision-making and peace processes including Special Envoys, Special Representatives, peacekeepers, mediators and negotiators.
During her address she reaffirmed Namibia’s strong commitment to the full implementation of resolution 1325, and other resolutions on women, peace and security, and commit that we will remain seized of this agenda.
“I call upon all member states, non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations, civil society, UN Agencies and other institutions to continue working together, and create an environment free of violence, where women and men, girls and boys, can live in dignity,” she added.
“As we commemorate the 15th Anniversary of Resolution 1325, concrete steps must be taken to ensure that women participate fully to post-conflict reconstruction. Women must also take equal roles in shaping these decisions as excluding women might jeopardize the long-term stability of societies after conflicts are over. No peace agreement engineered solely by men will ever be legitimate, as long as conflicts affect the lives and livelihoods of both men and women,” she said.
