Women should play a crucial role as agents of change in global peace and security, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, Member of the National Assembly of Tanzania and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, told Sputnik Africa in an interview.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 4th Eurasian Women's Forum in Russia's St. Petersburg, which includes the first BRICS Women's Forum, Mulamula emphasized that women should not be passive victims of conflict but active participants in peace negotiations.
She called for meaningful participation of women, emphasizing that the question is no longer "why" but "how" to ensure their voices are heard and contribute to solutions.
"We have to unite to make sure that every problem concerns us," the diplomat said, referencing conflicts like those in Gaza and other regions. She also highlighted Tanzania's long-standing commitment to seeking negotiated settlements.
She expressed her view that Russia was a suitable venue for the forum, citing its preservation of cultural identity, history, and diversity. Mulamula also stressed the shared destiny of all nations in facing challenges like climate change, water security, and peace and security, as evidenced by the global experience of COVID-19.
"We all are united in this," she said, noting that Tanzania and Russia share a strong diplomatic relationship and close ties between their legislative bodies.
Mulamula highlighted the unique perspective women bring to peacebuilding, emphasizing their focus on the safety of children and communities rather than positions of power. She referenced Tanzania's recent progress under its female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, emphasizing the significant strides in education, infrastructure, and community development, particularly benefiting women.