Windhoek+25: Africa Reaffirms Commitment to Women, Peace and Security
Date:
On the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, leaders, peacebuilders, civil society, and youth from across Africa gathered in Windhoek to honor the legacy and chart the future of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda.
Hosted in the country that presided over the Security Council when Resolution 1325 was adopted in 2000, the participants adopted the Windhoek+25 Declaration reaffirming Africa’s unwavering commitment to women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in peace and security processes.
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
The Declaration pays tribute to the tireless advocacy of grassroots women, civil society organizations, and political leaders who have championed gender equality in peacebuilding. It acknowledges that peace processes inclusive of women are more sustainable and transformative.
UN Women Representative Letty Chiwara delivered a powerful closing remarks, reminding participants that “Resolution 1325 was born out of a shared conviction that peace is more sustainable, security more enduring, and recovery more complete when women actively lead and participate in decision-making at all levels.”
She paid tribute to African women who championed the resolution, drawing from their lived experiences in liberation movements and community peacebuilding. Their advocacy, she noted, was grounded in the landmark UNIFEM study Women, War and Peace, led by Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
A Bold Call to Action
The Windhoek+25 Declaration outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the next 25 years, including commitments to:
- Institutionalize women’s leadership in peacebuilding and governance.
- Address gender-based violence in conflict and fragile settings.
- Promote survivor-centered approaches and access to justice.
- Integrate gender perspectives in early warning, climate security, and post-conflict recovery.
- Strengthen youth engagement and intergenerational collaboration.
- Ensure predictable financing and accountability for WPS commitments.
Chiwara emphasized, “We must ensure women’s participation is not optional, but integral to peace and political processes. We must localize the WPS agenda, grounding it in community realities and ensuring that women at the local level are not left behind.”
Africa’s Enduring Leadership
Despite rising conflict and displacement—139.2 million people now require humanitarian assistance across the continent—Africa remains the heartbeat of the WPS agenda. Chiwara highlighted that over two-thirds of African Union Member States have adopted National Action Plans, and regional frameworks are in place to support implementation.
She celebrated the work of women mediators in Sudan, community stabilizers in eastern DRC, and civilian protectors in Mozambique and South Sudan, stating: “Their work embodies the very spirit of 1325.”
From Legacy to Leverage
The Declaration calls for stronger partnerships, intergenerational mentorship, and a whole-of-society approach to inclusive peace. It aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063, the Silencing the Guns Initiative, and the Beijing+30 Action Agenda.
Quoting UN Women Executive Director Dr. Sima Bahous, Chiwara concluded: “Those who oppose equality do not own the future. We do.” She added, “Women and girls are not asking for permission to lead; they are already leading. What they ask of us is partnership, protection, and investment.”
Securing the Next 25 Years
The Windhoek+25 Declaration is not just a reflection—it is a roadmap. It urges all stakeholders to transform legacy into leverage, ensuring that the next generation of peace is inclusive, just, and lasting.
As the region faces emerging challenges such as climate change, displacement, and digital transformation, the WPS Agenda remains foundational to democratic governance and sustainable peace.
The Windhoek+25 Declaration stands as a testament to the continent’s leadership and vision for a peaceful, inclusive future.
Because when women lead, peace follows.