Zimbabwe has called for stronger implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, emphasising the need to translate international commitments into tangible outcomes that enhance women’s participation and protection in peacebuilding initiatives.
The call was made by Zimbabwe’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Irene M Juru, during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate held in New York, yesterday, under the theme, “Women, Peace and Security in the Next Quarter-Century: Fulfilling the Promise Through Implementation”.
Juru said meaningful progress under the WPS agenda required countries to move beyond policy commitments and prioritise practical measures that give women greater opportunities to participate in peacekeeping, conflict prevention and post-conflict reconstruction.
“Women must not remain on the margins of peace and security processes. Their participation should be meaningful, adequately supported and reflected in the decisions and actions that shape peacebuilding efforts.
“We must move beyond commitments and ensure that the promises made under the Women, Peace and Security agenda translate into tangible results,” said Juru.
She highlighted Zimbabwe’s contribution to international peacekeeping efforts, noting that women accounted for nearly 50% of the country’s deployed military and police personnel.
“Zimbabwe believes that women’s meaningful participation is indispensable to lasting peace. Our contribution to peacekeeping operations, where women constitute nearly half of our deployed military and police personnel, reflects our recognition of the important role women play in promoting stability and security,” she said.
She stressed that participation must be accompanied by adequate protection and accountability to ensure women serving in peacekeeping missions and those affected by conflict could operate and live in safe environments.
“Protection and accountability must remain central to our collective efforts. We cannot achieve sustainable peace without safeguarding women and girls, addressing violations against them and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” said Juru.
Zimbabwe reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda and supporting international efforts to build inclusive, peaceful and secure societies.
