16/10/2025
WPS@25 | The commemoration of the 25th Silver Anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace and Security officially commenced today, 16 October 2025, in Windhoek, under the theme: “25 Years of 1325: Honoring the Legacy, Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.”
The event is being held in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat. It serves as a strategic platform to reflect on progress made, amplify African women’s leadership, and address both persistent and emerging challenges, from militarized conflict to climate change, digital threats, and violent extremism.
In her welcoming remarks, Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade, emphasized the importance of women’s leadership, describing the occasion as Africa’s recognition of the critical role women play in fostering peace and development.
“We have witnessed women’s influence incrementally ascend: in parliaments, in diplomacy, in peacekeeping missions, at negotiation tables, and within communities making meaningful contributions to transforming societies, especially in post-conflict situations,” the Minister noted.
Honourable Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted that Namibia’s role in the creation of Resolution 1325 was not accidental, but rather stemmed from the country’s personal conviction and lived experience during its own struggle for freedom and dignity. “It was a gift to the world, a token of gratitude for the international support received during Namibia’s fight for national liberation,” she said.
Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, in her keynote address highlighted that women’s participation in peace processes does not seek to diminish or erase the legacy of men, but to complement and strengthen it making peacebuilding efforts more effective, inclusive, and enduring.
“May this gathering serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that lasting peace cannot be built without the voices, hands, and leadership of women and girls, working together with men and boys across every level of society,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah stated.
She further called for greater investment in women and young people, stressing the importance of securing the future while honouring the past and strengthening the present.
In her address, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, AU Special Envoy on Women Peace and Security highlighted the need for consistent and meaningful inclusion of women throughout all stages of UN and AU peace operations, alongside unwavering adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law.
The event is expected to conclude on Friday, 17 October 2025.
