UN ENVOY HAILS ZIM’S COMMITMENT TO GENDER EQUALITY IN PEACE AND SECURITY

By Staff Reporter

Harare, — The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, His Excellency Edward Kallon, has commended Zimbabwe for its steadfast commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, describing women’s leadership as the cornerstone of sustainable peace.

Speaking at the Women, Peace and Security Symposium held in Harare to mark the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, Kallon lauded Zimbabwe’s efforts in empowering women to play meaningful roles in national and regional peace processes under the theme; “Women Lead, Peace Follows.”

“UNSCR 1325 recognized what women have always known, that conflicts affect women and girls differently, and that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without their meaningful participation,” said Kallon.

“Over the past quarter century, this agenda has evolved from a novel idea into a universal framework that addresses not only armed conflict but also domestic violence, migration pressures, climate shocks, and unequal development.”

Zimbabwe’s Progress on Women, Peace and Security

Kallon highlighted Zimbabwe’s significant strides in localizing the WPS agenda, including the adoption of the National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 (2023–2027), which seeks to ensure that women’s voices shape peace and security decisions at every level.

He also praised the country’s constitutional and policy framework, noting that the 2013 Constitution had laid a solid foundation for advancing the rights of women and girls across economic, social, and political spheres.

“Zimbabwe has embraced this agenda with clarity and purpose,” Kallon said.

“The Government’s leadership is evident in community dialogues, capacity-building initiatives, and efforts to localize peace structures so that women’s voices shape decisions at every level.

”Celebrating Women’s LeadershipIn his remarks, the UN envoy saluted the strong leadership of women in Zimbabwe’s governance and peace architecture.

He singled out Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, for her “tireless advocacy and transformational leadership” in empowering women and communities.“

I have seen Honourable Mutsvangwa travel across the country, directly engaging women, girls, and local communities, a clear embodiment of the promise to leave no one and no place behind,” he said.

Kallon also commended Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Defence, for her “decisive leadership in advancing peace and security,” and applauded the collective efforts of women parliamentarians and ministers who continue to drive inclusion and protection through policy and practice.

Zimbabwe’s Role in Regional and Global Peace

The UN envoy underscored Zimbabwe’s growing leadership in regional peace efforts, noting its recent chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, which emphasized stability, dialogue, and institutional strengthening.“

Such regional stewardship reflects Zimbabwe’s conviction that collective security in SADC depends on prevention, dialogue, and strengthening institutions that protect all citizens, including women,” Kallon explained.

He further recognized the contribution of Zimbabwean women peacekeepers and mediators, who play critical roles in international peace missions and community-based conflict resolution.

“Women from Zimbabwe are not waiting to be invited to the table — they are already leading,” said Kallon. “Their leadership proves the simple truth of our theme: when women lead, peace follows.”

Pushing for Global Representation

Kallon also applauded Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, noting that it would give the nation a stronger voice in shaping global peace and security priorities, including gender-responsive policies and protection of civilians.

“Serving on the Council will allow Zimbabwe to champion prevention, inclusion, and gender-responsive governance at the highest level,” he noted.

Bridging the Gaps

Despite notable progress, Kallon reminded participants that the full promise of UNSCR 1325 remains unfulfilled.

“Women remain underrepresented in formal peace processes; funding for WPS initiatives is still too low compared to hard security budgets,” he said.

“At the same time, climate change and gendered disinformation are emerging threats that undermine gains made over decades.”

He called for concrete action to close the policy-to-practice gap, fully finance WPS initiatives, and protect women human rights defenders and grassroots leaders from reprisals.

The UN’s Continued Partnership

Kallon reaffirmed the UN’s unwavering support for Zimbabwe’s WPS agenda, pledging to continue working alongside government, civil society, and communities to advance gender equality in peacebuilding.

“The United Nations commends the Government of Zimbabwe for its leadership,” he said.

“As we reflect on 25 years of UNSCR 1325 and 30 years since Beijing’s call for women’s full participation, let us move from words to sustained investment from inclusion as an aspiration to leadership as the norm.”

He concluded with a powerful message: “When we invest in women’s leadership, protect women human rights defenders, and fund the organizations that deliver, peace becomes stronger, more just, and more lasting.

Women’s leadership must not be the exception — it must be the norm.”