In conclusion, SADC has devoted a lot of efforts in empowering and advancing women. However, women still remain largely underrepresented from key decisionmaking structures and in peacemaking and peacebuilding processes. The region believes that given the opportunity, women are active agents of change and play a critical role in the recovery and reintegration of families after conflict.

The resolution sought to ensure women's full and active participation in conflict resolution, peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction. It also sought the protection of women and girls from all forms of violence in conflict and postconflict situations. It affirms that women are an integral part of peace and security.

The Protocol also calls upon SADC Member States to take necessary steps to prevent and eliminate incidences of human rights abuses against women and children during times of armed and other forms of conflict.

The Framework for Cooperation is aimed to strengthen and draw upon both organizations' experiences, allowing the United Nations Department of Political Affairs to utilize SADC's knowledge and understanding of the region and the mediation, peacemaking and peacebuilding capacities.

Since we believe that effective peace building starts from the national and subregional, to the international level, it is of vital importance that the UN works closely together with regional groups, such as SADC, as we believe. To that end, the United Nations and SADC signed an agreement on 21 September 2010, to work together on issues vital to peace and security such as conflict prevention, mediation and elections.

SADC welcomes the creation of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the appointment of Mrs. Michelle Bachalet as its Executive Director. We are confident that UN Women, in addition to devoting its attention to the economic empowerment of women at country level, the entity will greatly enhance coordination and coherence on women, peace and security.

SADC remains fully committed to the full and effective implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 and to ensure that the rights of women and children are promoted and protected.

SADC is delighted that today marks ten years since the passage of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, which was unanimously adopted during the Namibian Presidency of the UN Security Council in October 2000.

SADC is deeply concerned with the widespread and systematic sexual violence subjected to women and girls in conflict situations and condemns the use of sexual and gender based violence against women and children. It is our considered view that all parties to armed conflict, should respect, regional mechanisms and international law applicable to the rights and protection of women and children.

Gender equality and the empowerment of women is one of the founding principles of SADC as enshrined in the SADC Treaty. The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development of 2008, puts measures in place to ensure that women get equal representation and participation in all key decision-making positions by 2015.