THE Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special groups and Zanzibar’s Ministry of Community Development, Gender Elderly, and Children have signed national programme to implement women, peace and security agenda in line with UN Security Council Resolution No. 1325.

Resolution 1325 is a landmark resolution that was passed in 2000. It's also known as the "women's resolution".

The signing ceremony took place yesterday in Zanzibar and overseen by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary in the isles Abeida Rashid Abdallah.

Abdallah said that the programme is an honour to Tanzania as it reflects the UN Resolution's commitment to ensuring women live in peace and security at all times.

“The resolution, passed on October 31, 2000, emphasises the importance of women’s roles in conflict prevention and resolution, ensuring protection, peace, and equal participation in promoting global peace and security,” she said.

The two ministries, in collaboration with development stakeholders and private sectors, have worked together to prepare the programme for effective implementation.

“We are the main coordinators of this programme, but other sectors focused on women’s issues have provided their input,” she added.

Timothy Mgonja, director of gender at the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Children and Elderly, said the programme preparation began in 2020 and was in final stages. Its launch is expected later this year.

Siti Abbas Ali, Director of the Department of Community Development, Gender and Children in Zanzibar, explained that the programme will strengthen advocacy for women’s rights, ensuring their safety as they seek livelihoods.

“The programme also focuses on maintaining peace and offering solutions during conflicts, as women who lack peace cannot engage in activities that promote their development,” she said.