By Dickson Bandera
The United Nations has hailed Zimbabwe’s strong leadership and tangible progress in advancing women’s participation in peace, security, and development, saying the country’s example shows that “when women lead, peace follows.”
Speaking at the Women, Peace and Security Symposium held at Holiday Inn in Harare on Thursday, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Edward Kallon commended the Government of Zimbabwe for translating the principles of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 into practical actions.
“Zimbabwe has embraced this agenda with clarity and purpose,” said Mr. Kallon. “The 2013 Constitution advanced the rights of women and girls across economic, social, and political spheres, and the adoption of the National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 (2023–2027) signals concrete steps to translate commitments into change on the ground.”
The symposium, held under the theme “Women Lead, Peace Follows,” brought together senior government officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, development partners, civil society, and traditional and religious leaders to commemorate the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, which places women at the heart of peace and security processes.
Mr. Kallon applauded Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, and Minister of Defence, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, for their “formidable leadership” in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in Zimbabwe.
“Honourable Mutsvangwa has been a tireless champion for the rights of women and girls,” he said. “She has steadily built nationally led, partner-based approaches and directly engaged women, girls, and local communities across the country — a clear embodiment of the promise to leave no one and no place behind.”
Mr. Kallon highlighted Zimbabwe’s key contributions to the global WPS agenda, citing three pillars of progress:
National leadership on peace and stability: “Zimbabwe’s leadership in chairing the SADC Organ last year demonstrated steady commitment to regional peace and stability, emphasizing inclusive and community-centered responses,” he said.
Women’s participation in peacekeeping: “Zimbabwean women are not waiting to be invited to the table — they are already leading. From peacekeeping missions to local mediation, they are proving that when women lead, peace follows.”
Commitment to global peace and security: “Zimbabwe’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028 will give it a stronger voice in championing prevention, gender-responsive policies, and protection of civilians,” he added.
Despite these strides, Mr. Kallon noted that “the promise of UNSCR 1325 remains only partially fulfilled,” warning that women remain underrepresented in formal peace processes while funding for WPS initiatives remains “far too low compared to hard security budgets.”
He urged all stakeholders to “close the policy-to-practice gap” and fully finance women-led peace initiatives. “We must resource the National Action Plan and grassroots women’s organizations that deliver results,” he said.
Mr. Kallon also called for renewed efforts to protect and empower women human-rights defenders, mediators, and community leaders. “Let us ensure women lead in peace negotiations, security sector reform, conflict prevention, and community resilience,” he emphasized.
The UN envoy reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to working with Zimbabwe’s government, civil society, and communities to sustain progress. “The UN remains a steadfast partner in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda,” he said. “We stand with the Government of Zimbabwe in ensuring that women’s leadership is not the exception, but the norm.”
The symposium also featured contributions from government ministers, members of the Women Parliamentary Caucus, and civil society leaders who echoed calls for stronger partnerships and inclusive peacebuilding.
As the world marks 25 years since the adoption of UNSCR 1325 and 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, Zimbabwe’s proactive approach — anchored in constitutional reforms and national action — continues to position it as a model for inclusive peace and security in the region.
“When women lead, peace follows,” Mr. Kallon concluded. “That is not just our theme — it is a truth we see unfolding here in Zimbabwe.”
