Zimbabwe Champions Greater Women’s Participation in Peacebuilding Ahead of UN Security Council Term

Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s leadership in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, underscoring the critical role of women in fostering sustainable peace as the country prepares to assume its seat as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

Addressing a United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, Zimbabwe’s Chargé d’Affaires, Mrs Irene Juru, called for renewed global efforts to ensure women are fully represented and actively involved in conflict prevention, mediation, peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction.

Mrs Juru said meaningful and lasting peace can only be achieved when women are empowered to participate at every level of decision-making, noting that their contributions remain essential to building resilient and inclusive societies.

While acknowledging the significant progress recorded since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 twenty-five years ago, she observed that women across the world continue to encounter barriers that limit their access to leadership positions and participation in peace processes.

She stressed that closing these gaps requires deliberate action by governments, international organisations and development partners through the strengthening of legal and policy frameworks, investment in leadership development programmes, increased financial support and the establishment of robust accountability mechanisms.

Mrs Juru said empowering women to take leading roles in mediation, peace negotiations and post-conflict recovery is not only a matter of equality but also a strategic imperative for achieving durable peace and security.

Zimbabwe’s intervention reflects the country’s growing commitment to promoting gender-responsive peacebuilding and aligns with its broader vision of strengthening inclusive governance and international cooperation as it prepares to serve on the United Nations Security Council.

The country has consistently advocated for greater representation of women in decision-making structures, recognising that inclusive participation enhances the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts and contributes to long-term stability and development.

By Witness A Phiri