International Day of Peace 2024: Gender equality and women empowerment in cultivating a culture of peace

International Day of Peace 2024: Gender equality and women empowerment in cultivating a culture of peace

By Katherine Gifford

Today, in Tanzania – as in the rest of the world – the international community comes together to mark and commemorate the International Day of Peace.

Celebrated each year, this day provides the opportunity to reflect on what constitutes peace and what transformative changes are needed to bring about long-lasting peace.

In his 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace message, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres encourages each of us to strive harder to promote dialogue, empathy and human rights for all, emphasizing that peace is a culture that needs to be cultivated in the minds of children and communities across countries and generations.

Peace is not simply the absence of war, it is a day-to-day practice. The participation and leadership of women and girls is key to this practice and to sustaining peace.

From local dispute settlement to international peace agreement negotiations, women and girls are crucial actors to ensure that peace processes, decisions taken and measures implemented are responsive to the priorities and needs of women and girls.

In 2000, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325). Along with subsequent resolutions, Resolution 1325 acknowledges that women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict and play key roles across the peace continuum—from conflict prevention to post-conflict reconstruction.

Driven by an African-led initiative, the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda was established. Today, 108 countries, including the United Republic of Tanzania (URT), have developed and are implementing National Action Plans (NAPs) on UNSCR 1325 to advance women’s participation and leadership in peace and security processes.

In line with the objectives of the newly launched National Gender and Women Development Policy (2023-2033), the first Tanzania National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325, developed with support from UN Women and currently undergoing approval, aims to play a key role in promoting the meaningful participation, influence, and leadership of Tanzanian women in preventing conflict and sustaining peace.

This includes their involvement at all levels of public decision-making, relief and recovery efforts, and peace and security processes. The NAP also complements other national frameworks such as the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children II.

As we come together to celebrate the International Day of Peace, we acknowledge Tanzania’s efforts to advance the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda and honour the women and young women who continuously work to build and sustain peace in their communities.

Peace thrives when women are included. By promoting gender equality, challenging harmful stereotypes, and investing in women’s leadership, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable peace.

On this International Day of Peace, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a Culture of Peace where women’s voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their leadership is celebrated. Together, we can create a world where this becomes a reality for all.

Katherine Gifford is officer in charge, UN Women Tanzania

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Tanzania's opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy
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Tanzania’s opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy

Unguja. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo today officially bids farewell to its former Chairman, Juma Duni Haji, also known as Babu Duni, as part of a new policy designed to honor retired senior leaders at a ceremony held at Kiembesamaki, Zanzibar.

The initiative highlights the party’s commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals who have served with dedication and integrity.

Babu Duni, who stepped down earlier this year, was succeeded by Othman Masoud, now the First Vice President of Zanzibar.

The policy aims to provide ongoing respect and support to retired leaders, ensuring their continued recognition and contribution to the party’s development.

“Recognizing their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the party, this policy ensures that retired leaders continue to be acknowledged and respected by both the party and the community,” the policy states.

To benefit from this policy, leaders must not have left or been expelled from the party. They must have served the party with honor and dedication. The national leadership committee will determine whether a leader has fulfilled these criteria.

The policy seeks to honor retired leaders, protect their dignity, acknowledge their contributions, leverage their ideas for the party’s growth, and support them to the best of the party’s ability.

In honoring these leaders, the party will provide a vehicle, the type of which will be determined by the national leadership committee. Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance, with the amount also set by this committee.

Other benefits include health insurance. If a leader does not own a home, the party will cover their rent at a rate decided by the committee.

The leadership committee may also grant special recognition based on the leader’s contributions. Retired leaders will participate in decision-making meetings according to procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.

Depending on the party’s resources at the time, the policy may also apply to retired deputy chairpersons for both the mainland and Zanzibar, the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General for both mainland and Zanzibar, and the party’s Attorney General.

Additionally, leaders, executives, or members with exceptional contributions to the party’s protection, advocacy, and defense may also benefit, as determined by the leadership committee.

Currently, those who are eligible for benefits under this policy include Juma Duni Haji (retired party Chairman) and Zitto Kabwe (retired party leader).Continue Reading