Resolution 1325: Women’s involvement in peace and security discussed in Kinshasa

Kinshasa, August 20^th, 2026 (CPA). – The women’s involvement in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, under the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda, has been discussed on Thursday in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), during a scientific conference dedicated to assessing the 25^th anniversary of Resolution 1325. “The Interdisciplinary Centre for the Retraining and Further Training of Executives (Cidep) has organised the academic conference dedicated to assessing a quarter of a century of commitment, normative battles and realities on the ground surrounding the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda, summarised in a publication based on the four pillars of Resolution 1325, which aims to ensure women’s participation in the peace process,” has declared Annie Matundu, an expert on Resolution 1325. “This event also aims to strengthen their protection against sexual violence and to promote gender equality in the management of armed conflicts and reconstruction,” she has added. Speaking about her book ‘Resolution 1325: Progress after 25 Years of Commitment to Women’s Peace and Security’, Ms Matundu has explained that the idea arose from an observation that was both encouraging and deeply troubling. “Dozens of national action plans have been adopted, women’s networks have been established, and the fight against impunity for conflict-related sexual violence has become an international priority,” she has said. “The reality on the ground reminds us daily of the gulf between declarations of intent and the effective realisation of rights; despite 25 years of advocacy, women’s presence at the negotiating table remains marginal,” she has added, noting that in two months’ time, Resolution 1325 will have been in existence for 26 years. “In two months’ time, Resolution 1325 will have been in force for 26 years, and challenges remain: issues of ownership, funding and coordination persist. All of this means that this Resolution is failing to be implemented from the global to the local level because of these challenges,” has lamented Ms Matundu. This scientific conference, which has brought together university professors, teaching staff and civil society organisations, has provided an opportunity to examine these analyses through the combined lens of academic research, practical expertise and decision-making practice.