Kinshasa, October 22nd, 2026 (CPA).- An activist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been honored for her dedication and efforts to promote women’s participation in peace, at a ceremony marking her 20 years of commitment to promoting Resolution 1325, on Thursday in Kinshasa.
“The division commended Annie Matundu Mbambi’s renewed drive to continue efforts towards the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace, security, governance and inclusive and sustainable development in the DRC.” “Maman 1325” was honored for her 20 years of commitment to promoting United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and the ‘women, peace and security’ agenda,” said Martina Ndi, gender officer in MONUSCO’s Gender Section.
“Over the past twenty years, Annie Matundu has helped to raise awareness of Resolution 1325, promote its ownership and implementation in the DRC, whilst taking its message beyond the country’s borders.
In each of her speeches, she has emphasized that lasting peace cannot be built without the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.
Her career thus bears witness to the power of individual and collective commitment to advancing women’s rights and strengthening their participation at all levels of decision-making,” she added.
Ms Ndi explained that this tribute is therefore much more than simply a recognition of the progress made.
It is also an opportunity to pay tribute to all those who, often in difficult circumstances and sometimes at the risk of their own lives, continue to defend women’s rights and promote the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.”
“Celebrating these twenty years also invites us to look to the future and reflect on our collective responsibility.” “Honoring Matundu’s commitment also means reaffirming our determination to turn the principles of Resolution 1325 into tangible realities for women and girls.
This means guaranteeing their rights; facilitating their access to education, healthcare, livelihoods and basic social services; strengthening their access to decision-making bodies; and resolutely combating all forms of gender-based violence,” she said.
She argued that the effective implementation of this agenda requires sustained and coordinated commitments from public institutions, international partners, civil society organizations and all relevant stakeholders.” Furthermore, “above all, it requires that women be present, listened to and fully involved in decisions concerning their security, their rights and the future of their communities, and that their skills, leadership and contributions be recognized and valued.
“On behalf of the Gender Section and the whole of MONUSCO, we extend our sincere congratulations and our deep gratitude for these twenty years of commitment to women’s rights and their role in peace building,” concluded Ms. Martina Ndi. ACP/