Harare, (New Ziana) – The Southern African Development Community (SADC), in a significant collaboration with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), is set to launch the Network of Women Mediators in Southern Africa on Tuesday in South Africa.

The official launch will be graced by Her Excellency Joyce Banda, the former President of Malawi and a prominent member of the SADC Panel of Elders.

In a statement on Monday, the SADC secretariat said the event aims to introduce the Network of Women Mediators to regional stakeholders, highlighting its crucial role in enhancing mediation and peace-making processes within the SADC region.

This initiative underscores the commitment to empowering women in leadership roles, particularly in conflict resolution and peace initiatives.

“The establishment of this network is not just a milestone for women in Southern Africa, but a transformative step towards inclusive peace-building efforts,”

“Women bring unique perspectives and solutions to mediation, and their involvement is essential for sustainable peace,” read part of the statement.

The launch comes at a critical time as the region faces various challenges requiring collaborative approaches to conflict resolution.

By fostering a network of women mediators, SADC aims to leverage the expertise and experiences of women leaders to address these issues effectively.

The Network of Women Mediators will serve as a platform for sharing best practices, resources, and strategies among women in mediation roles, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.

The initiative is expected to enhance the overall effectiveness of peace-making efforts in Southern Africa.

New Ziana