High level officials meet in Swakopmund for development and implementation of the National Action Plan

A high level conference about shared experiences and lessons learned on the development and implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) on United Nations Resolution 1325 aimed at accelerating the realisation of the women, peace and security agenda in Namibia was held this week at Seaside Hotel and Spa.

In his welcoming remarks the Governor of Erongo Region Cleophas Mutjavikua said Resolution 1325 is very important for the world today, as women offer unique perspectives in the decision-making process, from their experiences which are often overlooked due to under-representation in peace-keeping because of gender stereotypes in society, where there is scepticism towards women’s leadership and abilities.
The Governor further said this move strengthens women’s networks for the promotion of gender equality in peace-keeping and equips participants with skills to encourage women to act and stand up against gender based discrimination and positively influence decision making, especially in the area of peace keeping.
The conference brought together senior officers and officials from key security institutions of the Namibian government, experts from selected African countries that have walked the journey of developing and implementing National Action Plans (NAPS) for Resolution 1325. In a speech delivered by Maureen Hinda, the Deputy Minister of International Relations on behalf of the Minister of International Relations Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah, the minister said the combinations of these institutions is a good combination as the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 is a cutting-edge international legal framework that aims at addressing not only the unwarranted impact of war on women, but also the crucial role women should and do play in conflict management, peace negotiations and peacebuilding, which reiterate respect of human dignity and rule of law. “Thus UNSCR 1325 specifically call for inclusive peace and security undertakings where all humans are critical actors and women and men play equal roles including decision making at national, regional and international levels.
At the opening ceremony of the conference UN Resident Co-ordinator and UNDP Residents Representative MS. Anita Kiki Gbeho said Namibia has agreed to develop the NAP and the workshop was an excellent opportunity to discuss why women, peace and security is relevant in peaceful and a stable Namibia, “it also presents an opportunity to learn from the experiences of other countries, on how we respond to new and emerging threats around human security such as Gender Based Violence. She further said key findings from the SCR1325 study confirm that women’s leadership and participation in the peace and security process has resulted in a 20% increase in the probability of an agreement lasting at least 2 years and a 35% increase in the probability of an agreement lasting at least 15 years “however much more needs to be done.”