THE Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has applauded government for launching an action plan to implement a United Nations Security Council resolution on women, peace and security agenda.
The Zimbabwe National Action Plan (NAP) was unveiled in May 2024, in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community secretariat.
In its monthly monitoring report for June this year, ZPP said conflicts in Africa and the whole world were constantly evolving and women were frequently bearing an unfair share of the burden.
“The NAP’s efforts to address the effects of conflict on women and girls are welcome as this will ensure there is systematic mainstreaming of their needs and perspectives when developing intervention programmes in the country.
“Government proposes to mainstream the principles of UNSCR 1325 into ‘national development, diplomacy, gender, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peace, security and reconciliation strategies.’
“The hope of ZPP, therefore, is that the government fulfils its current obligations to advance gender equality and women's leadership and participation in public affairs at all levels,” the report read.
ZPP said the action plan prioritised increased representation and participation of women in public decision making, including in politics, security sector, justice sector and governance processes; institutions and mechanisms for the prevention, management and resolution of conflict.
“Other pillars of the NAP are relief and recovery, prevention and protection, where the focus is to improve intervention strategies for the prevention of violence against women, including promoting accountability for violations.
“Government’s dedication to empowering women, defending their rights and utilising their priceless contributions to the development of the nation are commendable.”
Women's Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development deputy minister Jennifer Mhlanga hailed the action plan saying it signalled government’s unwavering commitment to empowering women as agents of change, peace builders and leaders.
She called for enhancement of women’s participation and leadership in decision-making processes related to peace and security.
Meanwhile, ZPP has expressed its commitment to the promotion of human rights among the citizens of Zimbabwe.
It said the number of human rights violations was still worrying and it was critical for all citizens and State institutions to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable.
“The duty to respect, protect, promote and fulfil people’s rights and freedoms falls on all citizens and the State. ZPP, therefore, urges all citizens to report human rights violations and demand accountability from duty bearers, while promoting a culture of peace and tolerance in communities,” the organisation said.