Kenya calls for stronger global cooperation on women, peace, security agenda

Kenya has called for enhanced global cooperation and tangible steps to promote the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. At a side event during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Roseline Njogu, Kenya's Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary, emphasized that women should not only be seen as beneficiaries of peace but as vital leaders and partners in establishing enduring security.

Njogu served as the chief guest at the Women, Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence Network (WPS CHODs), an event co-chaired by Major General Rugendo. The gathering, themed "Inclusive Security: Strengthening Operations Through Gender Awareness," aimed to raise awareness about the WPS CHODs Network, encourage more United Nations Member States to join, and advance Kenya's priorities during its year-long chairmanship of the Network.

Kenya assumed the leadership of the global Network on June 26, 2026, following Ireland's tenure. General Charles Kahariri, Kenya's Chief of the Defence Forces, currently holds the chairmanship, positioning Kenya as a key advocate for integrating the WPS agenda into defense policy, military training, leadership, planning, and operations.

Njogu underscored the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 as a crucial framework for ensuring women's full, equal, and meaningful involvement in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, and decision-making. "Women are not just recipients of peace and security; they are also essential actors, leaders, and partners in fostering sustainable peace and security," she stated.

Kenya, which will transfer the chairmanship to the Philippines in June 2027, is dedicated to promoting inclusivity, as enshrined in the country's national values and governance principles. The nation is currently executing its third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2025-2029, focusing on participation, protection, prevention, and relief and recovery.

Njogu also highlighted ongoing initiatives to boost women's representation in Kenya's Defence Forces, National Police Service, and other security entities. The Ministry of Defence has intensified gender mainstreaming, reinforcing the integration of gender considerations into military leadership, training, and operations. The WPS CHODs Network, established in 2017, offers senior military leaders a platform to exchange insights, promote effective practices, and tackle obstacles to implementing the WPS agenda.

Currently comprising around 60 members, including UN Member States, the African Union, and the United Nations, Njogu believes Kenya's chairmanship offers an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among defense institutions, learn from international best practices, and cultivate more responsive, representative, and effective security forces.

She encouraged additional countries to join the Network and pledged Kenya's commitment to advancing inclusive security through ongoing partnerships and strategic military leadership.