On 31 January 2019, ACCORD took part in the South Africa in Africa Workshop and Seminar Series, which was co-hosted by the Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa (SIGLA), based within the Faculty of Military Science at the University of Stellenbosch, the Danish Embassy in South Africa and the Royal Danish Defence College (RDDC). The title of the roundtable discussion, was “Fighting gender-based violence, discrimination and sexual exploitations in peace missions, eighteen (18) years after the dawn of UNSC RES 1325 – status on the achievements made and the challenges ahead. A South African Perspective”. The meeting was held at the residence of the Danish Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Ambassador Tobias Elling Rehfeld.
This discussion and topic is important as South Africa’s policy and political rhetoric emphasises the country’s commitment to advancing the protection and consolidation of rights concerning gender, as well as the fight against gender-based violence, sexual violence and exploitation. However, despite this, the South African National Defence (SANDF) has one of the highest numbers of sexual exploitation and abuse cases in the world. The seminar provided an opportunity for discussion on the effective implementation of the frameworks such as the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, whose implementation has faced numerous challenges. The participants also reflected on some of the potential underlying causes and systematic and systemic processes around gender issues and sexual exploitation and abuse within the SANDF and peace missions.
This initiative is in line with the ACCORD’s strategic pillar 3 on enhancing the role of women in peace processes. The initiative is also in line with the Training for Peace’s strategic objective of supporting the enhancement and participation of women in peace support operations while emphasising their protection. ACCORD remains committed to supporting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda towards realising sustainable peace in Africa.
ACCORD/TfP Programme is an initiative funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
