Minister Monica Mutsvangwa
By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing gender equality and sustainable peace during the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Symposium held at the Holiday Inn on Thursday.
The event marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325).
Addressing participants, Minister of Women Affairs Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted the nation’s progress and ongoing commitments.
“These frameworks are mutually reinforcing and continue to guide our collective pursuit of gender equality, peace, and sustainable development,” Minister Mutsvangwa said.
She stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all peace and security processes.
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s national achievements, the Minister pointed to the 2024 launch of the First-Generation National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.
“This plan strengthens the mainstreaming of gender perspectives across security and development institutions and enhances women’s participation in decision-making bodies at all levels,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa also emphasized that peace and security extend beyond armed conflict, encompassing social, economic, and environmental threats.
“Our efforts focus on addressing everyday peace and security challenges faced by women and girls, such as gender-based violence, economic marginalization, and climate-induced crises,” she added.
The Minister called for intergenerational collaboration, urging seasoned leaders and young women peacebuilders to join forces in building an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable vision of peace.
In her closing remarks, Minister Mutsvangwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to implementing both the UNSCR 1325 National Action Plan and the Beijing+30 Action Agenda.
“Let us seize this opportunity to transform our aspirations into action and build a future where peace, justice, and equality are not just ideals, but lived realities for all,” she stated.
The symposium brought together national stakeholders, civil society representatives, and international partners to commemorate the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325 and engage with the Beijing+30 Action Agenda at a national level.
