Tanzania highlights milestones in WPS Agenda

TUNIS: TANZANIA has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, with Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, calling for deeper continental cooperation to accelerate gender equality and women’s participation in peacebuilding processes.

Dr Gwajima made the remarks at the 6th High-Level Meeting on Women, Peace and Security held at the International Diplomatic Academy in Tunis, where African ministers, experts and development partners convened to assess progress and chart new priorities for the WPS agenda across the continent.

Addressing a panel discussion, she said the rapid growth of technology and artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities for strengthening public awareness on the impacts of gender-based violence, and for amplifying campaigns aimed at preventing such incidents in communities. She noted that digital tools have increasingly become central in mobilising action and shaping public understanding of the challenges women face in conflict and post-conflict environments.

The minister highlighted key milestones recorded by Tanzania, including the launch of the country’s first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, reforms under the 2024 Elections Act, and the steady rise in women’s representation in decision-making levels of government. She further pointed to ongoing economic empowerment initiatives supported through the 10 percent local government development fund, as well as coordinated national efforts to curb gender-based violence.

Dr Gwajima said the Tunis meeting provided an important platform for member states to evaluate implementation of the WPS agenda, identify persistent gaps, and explore strategies to reinforce peace and security structures that protect and elevate the role of women.

She underscored the need for strong partnerships between governments, civil society organisations, regional bodies and development partners, emphasising that sustainable progress on the WPS agenda requires shared responsibility and coordinated action. She affirmed Tanzania’s readiness to continue working closely with the African Union and other stakeholders to ensure that women across the continent secure meaningful participation in peace processes and conflict-resolution mechanisms.