Windhoek: Namibia remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in peace and security, Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi said at the 25th Anniversary commemoration of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda in Windhoek on Friday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, in remarks delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Charles Mubita, the minister said Namibia's leadership in the adoption of the landmark United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2000 was not an act of chance, but of a conviction that sustainable peace and security are impossible without the participation of women.

He highlighted that over the past 25 years, Namibia has made significant strides in translating this vision into practice, particularly within the defence and security sector. 'Our National Defence Force has progressively integrated gender perspectives into its policies, training and operational structures, ensuring that women serve not only as beneficiaries of peace but as active architects of it,' he said.

According to Kapofi, women now occupy senior positions within Namibia's military and security institutions, showcasing competence and leadership in areas once dominated by men. He further noted that the WPS Agenda has been fully mainstreamed into national defence policy and training curricula, reinforcing the belief that gender inclusivity strengthens operational effectiveness.

He acknowledged the ongoing challenges that women peacekeepers face globally, including exposure to violence, abductions and misinformation campaigns targeting peacekeeping missions. 'The protection of women peacekeepers is of paramount importance. They remain mothers and multipliers of new generations,' he stressed.

He urged for stronger training, capacity building and protection mechanisms for women deployed in peacekeeping missions, saying the next 25 years must focus on 'innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.' He reaffirmed that Namibia would continue to lead by example through gender-responsive defence reforms, regional cooperation within SADC and the African Union, and by empowering young women to carry forward the WPS torch.