TANZANIA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has won accolades for her dedication to advancing the United Nations’ call for greater participation of women in various developmental activities, including leadership.
General Office Command of Lugalo Military Hospital Major General, Gabriel Mhidze, praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the key figure in embracing the vision of UN Security Council Resolution 1,325.
“President Samia’s dedication to advancing the United Nations’ call for greater participation of women in various developmental activities, including leadership, is exemplary,” Maj Gen Mhidze said.
He said this on Tuesday during the commemoration of the 23rd Anniversary of the United Nations Security Council’s momentous Resolution 1,325, which was adopted in October 2000.
The commemoration was held at the Peace Training Centre in Dar es Salaam.
Maj Gen Mhidze highlighted the significant progress made in promoting women’s participation in military and security leadership roles, citing the appointment of women in leadership positions at all levels as a concrete example of the country’s commitment to fulfilling the objectives of Resolution 1325.
He also expressed gratitude to UN Women for their substantial support in developing a Women’s Action Plan aimed at fostering extensive engagement and inclusion of women in various developmental activities, including leadership, defence, and security.
Elaborating, Commissioner of Police and Chairperson of the Tanzania Police Female Network, Suzan Kaganda, noted how the police force embodies the principles of UN Resolution 1,325.
She pointed out that the Tanzanian police force has deployed 233 female officers in various peacekeeping missions in countries such as Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and other areas.
Commissioner Kaganda also emphasised the significance of the creation of the Tanzania Female Police Network, a dedicated platform to enhance the leadership capabilities of female officers, as a testament to Tanzania’s commitment to the United Nations’ objectives.
Furthermore, she mentioned the establishment of Gender Desk within the police force, highlighting it as clear evidence of the police’s commitment to broadening the involvement of women and eliminating oppression in the country.
“We acknowledge and appreciate UN Women and other development partners for supporting our police force’s efforts,” Kaganda remarked.
Equally, Commissioner Kaganda encouraged uniformed officers to take bold steps and stay focused, emphasising that courage and ethical service delivery are not mutually exclusive in the military.
Lieutenant Colonel Joyce Mahewa contributed to the discussion by emphasising the role of women in moderating extremism within communities, suggesting that women’s participation in peace missions can be more effective than men’s in certain situations.
She argued that women are often seen as less threatening, making them more adept at mediating conflicts between opposing parties.
Col. Mahewa shared her experience of participating in peace missions in Darfur twice, attesting to the effectiveness of women’s involvement in peace missions and the successful outcomes she has witnessed.
Ambassador Didier Chassot emphasised the need for doubled efforts to advance the women’s agenda and to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1,325.
Switzerland, he noted, is committed to ensuring the strong execution of the women’s agenda.
He described the women’s peace agenda as one of the most creative and influential agendas.
He quoted his country’s president, who once said, “Sustainable peace will be built by women, or it will not be built at all.”