Media Statement

17 May 2022

Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini arrives in Geneva to Co-Chair the Fourth Capital Level Meeting of the Global Network of National Focal Points of Women, Peace and Security

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, has today arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, to co-chair the Global Network of Focal Points on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) taking place in Geneva from 18-19 May 2022. South Africa, alongside Switzerland, are the 2022 co-chairs of the WPS. The theme for the 2022 Swiss-South Africa Co-Chairship of the WPS Focal Points Network is: “Partnering for Change – Translating the Women, Peace and Security Agenda into Action”. This theme embodies the idea of cooperation between states, regional and international organisations and civil society as a source of innovation and transformation of the WPS Agenda.

The two main objectives of this year’s meeting will focus on two interrelated pillars of the WPS Agenda: participation and protection. The participation of women in all phases of peace processes and at all levels of decision-making is interlinked with the protection of women’s rights. One does not work without the other. Women are actors at the same time, and the gradual erosion of their rights is impacting women’s opportunities and affecting the implementation of global WPS commitments. This meeting aims to encourage the development of transformative strategies that can be integrated into national action plans, policies and a regional WPS framework.

While in Geneva, Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings with her counterparts and various key stakeholders.

Enquires: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Southpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084