Peace agreements are more sustainable when women are at the table, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor.
"It is, therefore, disheartening to note that the percentage of women in peace negotiations today stands at a measly 19% in UN-led processes, down from 23% in 2020," said Pandor on Wednesday.
She was speaking during the open debate of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
As the UN gears up for the 25th anniversary of resolution 1325, Pandor believes that enhanced international efforts are needed to focus on commitments made in advancing women's participation in all peace processes.
"We made the same call in 2019 when this Council unanimously adopted resolution 2493, as proposed by South Africa."
The Minister said the UN Secretary-General report points to several concrete actions that Member States can take to reverse the trend of the declining number of women representation in peace negotiations, which South Africa is in agreement with.
However, Pandor noted that the current global security environment may contribute to the reversal of progress in the implementation of the WPS agenda.
"We, therefore, re-emphasise our call for urgent action to secure peace in the Israel-Gaza war, conflicts on the African continent and Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"In this context, it is alarming that the number of women and girls living in conflict-affected settings has increased by 50% in 2022 compared to 2017 owing to the increasing number of armed conflicts since then."
South Africa, according to Pandor, initiated the Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum in 2015 and the Women Mediators Network to train cohorts of African women negotiators and peace monitors.
The training has made an immense contribution to drawing women in communities together and is setting targets for women's direct participation in delegations and negotiating teams. "This initiative has shown how empowered women can contribute to peace and stability and support other women living in vulnerable conditions."
She told the Member States that South Africa continues to contribute to training and capacity building for women in peace processes at continental and local levels.
"Some of the trainees are now members of various peacebuilding initiatives in their respective countries," she said.
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Pandor expressed her appreciation to partners including the African Women Leaders Network, FemWise Africa, the African Union's platform for women mediators and the Norway government.
"In the same vein, we commend the efforts of the Secretary-General as articulated in the Action for Peacekeeping Initiative Plus and the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy, which continue to positively advance the WPS agenda."
She also noted South Africa's contribution in championing female peacekeepers and making a difference on the ground.
Pandor paid tribute to the dedicated women who have been deployed in different missions across Africa. These include Major Felicia Thobeka Mswane, Lieutenant Colonel Martha Masango, Major Seitebatso Pearl Block, and Lieutenant Colonel Fhulufheto Kouter.
The Minister recognised the fundamental role played by civil society organisations in the search for sustainable peace in the Middle East amid the Israel-Palestine war.
She gave a special mention to Women of the Sun of Palestine and Women Wage Peace of Israel who are urging parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to reach a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace.
"This is an example of positive activism and inspirational leadership by women striving to find a solution in the context of the continued occupation of Palestine.
"We encourage these women to continue with their solidarity amid adversity and the deepening political and security crisis."
