BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE– The meaningful participation of women in peace and security processes is vital to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, post-conflict rebuilding and sustainable development, Lieutenant General Mfanwenkhosi Khumalo, Chief of Staff of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), has said.
Khumalo said involving women at all levels of peace and security processes contributes significantly to building more inclusive and sustainable approaches to addressing conflicts and maintaining peace.
He was speaking during the official opening of the Gender Mainstreaming Course in Peace Support Operations at Mountain View.
Khumalo said peace support operations should take into account the different experiences and perspectives of women and men when responding to security situations affecting communities.
He said personnel involved in peace operations need to understand the different impacts that security challenges have on women, men, girls and boys.
Khumalo stressed that gender perspectives should be considered during the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of peace support missions.
“The Women, Peace and Security agenda continues to be a key priority within the Southern African Community,” he said.
He said strengthening the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda was important in ensuring that peace and security efforts respond effectively to the needs of different groups.
Khumalo further called on participants to become advocates and champions of gender-responsive approaches within their respective organisations and countries.
He said gender-responsive approaches should not only be recognised in policy, but should be translated into practical action that strengthens institutions, improves operations and positively impacts communities.
Khumalo said the responsibility of promoting gender inclusion extends beyond peace support missions, as it also contributes to sustainable development and the rebuilding of communities affected by conflict.
He said ensuring that both women’s and men’s experiences are considered in peace and security processes would contribute to more inclusive, effective and sustainable outcomes.
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(Courtesy Pic)
