By BAKANG MOKOTO
7 April 2025 – The multi-party delegation representing the South African Parliament at the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union voiced deep concern over the lack of significant progress in ensuring women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace processes. The delegation highlighted the absence of women’s groups as signatories to peace agreements in 2023.
The National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza said it emphasised the missed opportunity, given the well-documented sustainability of peace agreements when women are involved. She said while commending countries promoting women’s inclusion in peace-making efforts, the delegation acknowledged the need for more substantial actions to achieve true gender parity in peace processes.
“Specifically, South Africa proposed that parliaments worldwide enact legislation mandating the inclusion of women in peace envoys and potentially involving the establishment of quotas or affirmative action measures.
“In addition, they advocated for implementation of robust monitoring mechanisms to review women’s participation and the impact of their involvement in peacebuilding efforts,” she said.
Didiza further said South Africa pressed for allocation of resources towards training programmes and capacity-building initiatives to equip women with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective participation in peace processes. She added that the delegation asserted that by embracing these measures, parliaments worldwide can ensure women’s active engagement in peace processes, thereby leading to more effective and sustainable agreements and outcomes.
“These efforts seek to amplify women’s impact on fostering a more comprehensive and sustainable peace,” said Didiza.
The Guardian 