Women’s influence, participation in peace processes to be strengthened by National Action Plan
The government this week launched the National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) 2019 – 2024.
Delivering the keynote statement the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said the Plan’s overall aim is to strengthen women’s influence and meaningful participation in peace processes as well as in broader peace-building and state building.
With 23% representation, Namibia is among the countries with the highest proportion of women in the Defense Force in the SADC region.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said, “the effective implementation of, and accountability for the Plan requires a monitoring and evaluation plan, and a robust coordination mechanism”.
Meanwhile, Nandi-Ndaitwah hopes that the WPS Agenda continues to make an impact not only in Namibia but the whole SADC region.
“Namibia submitted the WPS Agenda to be a standing Agenda item of the SADC Organ of Defense and Security. This will create a platform for SADC nations to act in unison, and to share information on the subject matter,” she added.
At the event, it was also announced that Namibia is in the process of establishing an International Women’s Peace Centre in Windhoek.
This centre will focus among others on research aspects of mediation and negotiations, as well as capacity-building and supporting women on issues related to gender – based violence, she added
“Namibia, as a member of SADC will continue to play her part in ensuring that women play a greater role in the prevention of conflict, the resolution of conflict and the maintenance of peace,” she concluded.
