Hosted a CSW69 side event

UWONET, Government of Chad, OXFAM Africa and the Ministry of Labour, Gender and Social Development Hosted a CSW69 Side Event on UNSCR 1325 and Beijing+30
New York, March 17, 2025 – Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) of Uganda, the Government of Chad, and OXFAM in Africa, hosted a high-level side event during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). The event, titled “UNSCR 1325 in the Context of Beijing+30: Reflections on Progress and Practice in Uganda,” took place on March 17, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), Conference Room F, in New York.

The side event reflected on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR)
1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), specifically in Uganda and across Africa. It examined how the resolution aligns with key pillars of the Beijing Platform for Action, such as: Women and Armed Conflict, Women in Power and Decision-Making, Women’s Human Rights, Education and Training Women and the Environment etc.

UNSCR 1325 underscores the critical role women play in conflict prevention, resolution, peacebuilding, and post-conflict recovery. The event will bring together policymakers, civil society, and development partners to assess progress, address ongoing challenges, share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for a renewed commitment to sustainable implementation of the WPS agenda. As part of this initiative, UWONET led the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Review of Beijing+30 in Uganda, highlighting national progress, identifying persistent challenges, and proposing strategic recommendations for the road ahead.

Uganda Reaffirms Commitment to WPS at CSW69; Minister of State for Gender and Culture; Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, expressed gratitude to all participants of the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). She highlighted Uganda’s continued commitment to implementing the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, noting key achievements including: Implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security Strengthening of legislative frameworks supporting women in peacebuilding Increased women participation in leadership and decision-making. Enhanced collaboration between government and civil society, with gender mainstreaming across MDAs. Hon. Mutuuzo reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to advancing gender equality and sustainable peace.

Oxfam Africa Marked Milestones in Women’s Rights, Calls for Bold Action; Ms. Fati Hassane, Director at Oxfam Africa, joined global voices in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on WPS. She spotlighted key achievements, including cross border resistance to authoritarianism, peace dialogues, and community transformation. But she warned that structural inequalities, anti-rights movements, and climate change particularly in Chad remain serious threats.

Rita Aciro Underscored Women’s Role in Peace-building; Rita Aciro emphasized the transformative role
that civil society organizations (CSOs) have played in influencing government processes, particularly
highlighting the critical contributions of Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) in mobilizing for peace since Uganda’s formation. In her presentation, Aciro observed that the nature of conflict in Uganda has shifted from traditional armed struggles to more complex and multifaceted forms of violence. She commended the women’s movement for its consistent and active role in ensuring women’s direct participation in peace processes. She outlined several key contributions made by WROs; Influencing Governance – UWONET has been instrumental in shaping Uganda’s National Action Plans (NAPs) on WPS.
1. Advocating for Inclusion; Women continue to demand meaningful representation and a seat at the table in peacebuilding efforts.
2. Promoting Uganda’s Peace Policy; Though still in draft form, WROs are championing the adoption and implementation of a comprehensive national peace policy.
3. Reconstruction Efforts; WROs are playing a vital role in rebuilding systems and structures to foster long-term peace.

In conclusion, the CSW69 side event served as a powerful platform to reflect on the intersection of NSCR 1325 and the Beijing+30 agenda, reaffirming the vital role of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Through meaningful dialogue, shared experiences, and strategic advocacy, stakeholders reinforced the urgency of accelerating implementation efforts and amplifying women’s voices at all levels of peace processes. The collaborative efforts of UWONET, the Government of Chad, OXFAM Africa, and the Ministry of Labour, Gender and Social Development demonstrate a steadfast commitment to a more inclusive, just, and peaceful future for all.