The Colloquium on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325) on Women, Peace and Security, hosted by the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP) in partnership with the Institute for African Alternatives (IFAA), the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR), and the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) on 27 August 2025, brought together parliamentarians, provincial government officials, and civil society representatives to advance the localisation of the global Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

Keynote speaker former President Kgalema Motlanthe underscored the need to view women not merely as victims but as active agents of peace and justice. The colloquium highlighted that, although South Africa is not in a formal war, internal conflicts such as gender-based violence (GBV), gangsterism, and organised crime constitute significant threats to human security. Presentations by the Western Cape Government showcased provincial strategies such as the Provincial Safety Plan and geo-mapping of GBV hotspots, while Members of Parliament and civil society participants called for stronger accountability, oversight, and more inclusive public participation in the implementation of South Africa’s National Action Plan (NAP) on WPS.

In charting the way forward, the colloquium concluded that a “whole-of-society” approach is essential to embed UNSCR1325 principles into daily governance and ensure tangible impact at community level. The WCPP committed to aligning its Annual Performance Plan with the resolution’s objectives, fostering structured engagement with civil society, and strengthening post-legislative oversight.

Participants emphasised that effective implementation depends on collaboration between Parliament, government, and communities, adequate resourcing, and data-driven monitoring of commitments. Ultimately, the event reinforced that peace and security are not abstract global goals but lived experiences requiring inclusive participation, political will, and sustained accountability. The engagement was also attended and supported by several national and local civil society organisations, whose continued partnership will be instrumental in translating policy commitments into meaningful outcomes for women and communities.