Policy Brief 8 of 2015 – “GENDER, PEACE AND SECURITY” 25 NOVEMBER 2015

South Africa has done well since 1994 in terms of Gender equality and empowerment of women, in politics and areas of decision making. South Africa ranks top ten in the world on women in politics, with 40% women in parliament and 41% in cabinet respectively. There have also been improvements in education and capacity building but has had challenges somewhat in terms of implementation of regional and international protocols on women, peace and security including implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325). This is due to the fact that

There has been a gap in terms of the generational transfer of skills and knowledge in terms of the gender struggle. There is a need to for more awareness about some of these global processes and protocols. South Africa has done a lot post 1994 in terms of active engagements on gender, peace and security and reflecting a gender balance in terms of women in key political leadership positions. Mediation training is now taking place, which is an unique initiative in the continent. Other Tools mentioned include South Africa Defence Policy SADPA, the African Union Maputo Protocol on the rights of African women, and we can draw on these to advance the cause of women in peace processes. It is important to explore and implement measures that exist and popularise these issues until they are known and understood by all. It is important to also assess the African Union (AU) impact on leveling the continental landscape.

Read full Policy Brief here: POLICY BRIEF – No 8 of 2015