KIGALI - Though Rwandan women have excelled on the political spectrum, their presence must also be felt in peace and security initiatives, Gender and Family promotion minister, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamaria said on Friday.

She was commenting on the United Nations resolution 1325 that calls for a greater role of women in peace and security initiatives. Rwanda hopes to validate this resolution and launch a plan of action aimed at implementing it. 

"Women in Rwanda have excelled in political and decision making positions in this country and there in no doubt on that, but when it comes to participation in promotion of security, the numbers become too small,” said Mujawamariya.

"We need to see more Rwandan women taking part in peace keeping in the Sudan and other places where we are helping to bring back peace.”

This resolution recognises that understanding the impact of armed conflict on women and girls can significantly contribute to the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security.

It also urges member states to ensure increased representation of women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflict.

According to the Minister, the resolution demands implementation in order to put women participation in peace and security on top of the global agenda.

She also says that the plan of action which will be implemented with immediate effect will enable the women to bridge the gap between policy and gender in the areas of peace, security, and development through a sustained and systematic implementation of the resolution.

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