BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGG’S PEAK— Eswatini is hosting a two-week SADC Gender Mainstreaming Course in Peace Support Operations at Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane from 14 to 25 September, bringing together security officers and civil society representatives to strengthen gender-responsive approaches to peace and security across the region.
The course, conducted by the SADC Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre (RPTC), is aimed at equipping participants from SADC member states with practical knowledge and skills to integrate gender perspectives into peace support operations, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery.
The programme was officially opened by Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) Deputy Army Commander, Lieutenant General MfanaweNkhosi Khumalo, alongside representatives from His Majesty’s Correctional Services, the Royal Eswatini Police Service, SADC RPTC and participating member states.
Eswatini is represented by 30 senior officers from the country’s three security forces, as well as five representatives from civil society organisations.
The course provides participants with a platform to exchange experiences, share best practices and examine practical ways of addressing gender-related challenges in operational environments.
GENDER AND PEACE SECURITY
Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Eswatini, Lieutenant General Khumalo said the programme was significant in strengthening professional excellence and peace support capabilities while ensuring that gender considerations are incorporated into peace and security efforts.
He noted that the course was being held for the second time after the inaugural programme was successfully conducted in Mozambique.
Khumalo said the continuation of the programme demonstrated the growing importance attached to gender considerations within peace support operations and conflict resolution.
He further emphasised that modern peace operations require personnel to understand how conflicts affect women, men, girls and boys differently and to incorporate these perspectives into planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
WOMEN’S ROLE IN PEACEBUILDING
The Deputy Army Commander also highlighted the importance of women’s meaningful participation in peace and security processes.
He recognised their contribution to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, post-conflict recovery and sustainable development.
The course therefore seeks to move beyond theoretical discussions by giving participants practical opportunities to apply gender-responsive approaches to peace and security challenges.
REGIONAL COLLABORATION
Welcoming participants and guests, SADC RPTC Commandant Brigadier General Jose D.B. Canamala thanked the Government of Eswatini for hosting the programme and supporting regional peace and security initiatives.
He also commended the SADC Secretariat, facilitators and participating member states for their commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda across the region.
Lieutenant General Khumalo urged participants to approach the programme with dedication, professionalism and an open mind, challenging them to turn the knowledge gained into meaningful action within their respective institutions and countries.
The course is expected to contribute to stronger regional cooperation and capacity in advancing gender-responsive and inclusive peace support operations across the SADC region.
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(Courtesy Pic)
