Rwanda has outdone herself again. This time she is ahead of most developed and developing countries in presenting her action plan, for the implementation of the United Nations resolution 1325.

This is after she recently beat world records by having the highest number of women in parliament at 56.25 percent. Not only that key decision-making positions in both government and the private sector are held by women.

So often when we visualize peacekeepers, it is men in helmets and boots, on a rescue mission of miserable mothers and their babies. Have you ever stopped to wonder that the sisters are just as good at any peacekeeping operation?

That is the most important detail about UN resolution 1325, women are no longer hapless victims waiting for the knight in shining armour to rescue them, they are now entitled to adorn their own armour and join rescue missions.

Women will now play a more important role in peace and security matters, as equal partners to their male counterparts.

In the resolution not only are peace efforts visualized in the sense of international humanitarism, they include negotiations towards peace, where women are also demanding a stake on the table.

Rwandan women are no strangers to these issues having themselves played a central if not pivotal role, in the nation building and reconstruction drive after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The women have held their heads high over the years at the centre of public and private life, as mothers, daughters, sisters but more importantly as leaders.

For the UN it is thumbs up, for you cannot discuss peace leaving out half the world’s population, who in most instances are more affected by the conflict situations.

The Great Lakes region in particular has been faced with much conflict that has devastated the lives of women and children, it is hoped that Rwandan women will join forces with their sisters in the region to ensure peace and stability.

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