The Government of Tanzania, in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has supported a regional training programme aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda across the Great Lakes region, as countries intensify efforts to promote peace, security and inclusive development.
The training for officials coordinating WPS programmes from member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) is being held in Dar es Salaam, bringing together government representatives and experts to improve coordination and implementation of gender and security commitments.
Opening the training on April 27, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr. John Jingu, said the Great Lakes region has recorded notable progress since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2000, which guides global efforts on women’s participation in peace and security processes.
Dr. Jingu said Tanzania and other ICGLR member states continue to strengthen policies that ensure women are protected during conflict situations and actively involved in peacebuilding and decision-making processes at all levels.
He said that although progress has been made, conflicts in parts of the Great Lakes region continue to affect women and girls disproportionately, especially through sexual and gender-based violence, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.
“Migogoro katika baadhi ya nchi za Ukanda wa Maziwa Makuu imeendelea kusababisha madhara makubwa hasa kwa wanawake na wasichana.
Hali hii inahitaji hatua za pamoja ili kuhakikisha amani ya kudumu inapatikana,” Dr. Jingu said.
He stressed that the Women, Peace and Security agenda is a key pillar for sustainable peace and development, calling for stronger regional cooperation and effective implementation of national and regional commitments.
Dr. Jingu also reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to working with ICGLR member states and development partners to strengthen peace and security systems, while ensuring women play a central role in preventing and resolving conflicts.
The ICGLR brings together 12 member states, including Tanzania, which collaborate on social, economic, and political issues with a focus on peace, security, governance, and development in the region.
Participants in the training are expected to share experiences, improve coordination mechanisms, and develop practical strategies for addressing gender-related challenges in conflict and post-conflict environments.
The training is also expected to strengthen national action plans on Women, Peace and Security across member states, while enhancing cooperation between governments and development partners in promoting stability and gender equality in the region.
