Delegates from various security forces across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region have gathered in Eswatini for a 10-day Gender, Women and Peacekeeping Course, facilitated through the SADC Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre.
The course was officially opened today at the Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane, bringing together participants from across the region to strengthen knowledge and capacity on gender inclusion and the role of women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes.
Speaking during the official opening, guest speaker Lt. General Mfanwenkhosi Khumalo of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) highlighted the importance of ensuring meaningful participation of women in peace processes.
He emphasised that women’s involvement is vital to strengthening peacekeeping efforts and contributing towards more inclusive and sustainable peace and security across the SADC region.
The 10-day programme is expected to provide delegates with practical knowledge and insights on integrating gender perspectives into peacekeeping operations while advancing the participation of women in regional peace and security initiatives.
