BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – Participants from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have been challenged to make full use of a two-week regional training programme aimed at strengthening the integration of gender considerations into peacekeeping and security operations.
Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre (RPTC) Commandant Brigadier General Jose D B Canamala urged participants attending the Gender Mainstreaming Course in Peace Support Operations to actively engage with facilitators, share experiences and learn from one another.
The course, being held at Mountain View in Mbabane, brings together participants from SADC Member States as well as representatives from different components in Eswatini.
Speaking during the official opening of the programme on Monday, September 14, Canamala said participants had been presented with an important opportunity to deepen their professional knowledge while developing a stronger understanding of gender mainstreaming in peace support operations.
“I encourage all participants to actively engage with the facilitators and fellow participants to maximise the benefits of this important training programme,” he said.
Beyond classroom learning, Canamala said the course provides a platform for participants from different countries and professional backgrounds to exchange experiences and gain practical knowledge that can strengthen their contribution to regional peace and security efforts.
He said the continued implementation of the programme reflected the importance SADC Member States placed on promoting gender-responsive approaches within Peace Support Operations.
The training is also expected to strengthen regional capacity to ensure that gender considerations are incorporated into efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and security.
This is the second time the Gender Mainstreaming Course in Peace Support Operations has been conducted, following the successful inaugural programme held in Mozambique.
The hosting of the second edition in Eswatini further places the Kingdom at the centre of regional efforts to strengthen professional capacity among personnel involved in peace and security operations.
Canamala expressed appreciation to the Government of Eswatini for hosting the programme and for its continued support towards regional peace and security initiatives.
He also thanked the SADC Secretariat, participating Member States and facilitators for their commitment to strengthening the Women, Peace and Security Agenda across the region.
The course is being led by Assistant Commissioner Doreen Malambo Mazuba, while Namatama Sakabilo is serving as co-facilitator.
Through the training, participants are expected to return to their respective institutions with enhanced knowledge and a broader appreciation of the role gender mainstreaming can play in building more responsive and effective peace support operations across the SADC region.
