Windhoek, Namibia – 16 October 2025: As part of the High-Level Commemoration of the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) launched the third edition of the She Stands for Peace book series in Windhoek.

The launch took place during national celebrations marking Namibia’s enduring leadership in advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. This event paid tribute to the fact that twenty-five years prior, Namibia was the first country in Africa to host the landmark regional meeting that inspired the adoption of UNSCR 1325.

The She Stands for Peace series celebrates African women peacebuilders, mediators, and advocates whose work continues to shape the continent’s peace and security landscape. The third edition, produced jointly by UNOAU and the AUC, profiles a new generation of trailblazing women who are transforming their communities and driving forward the promise of inclusive and sustainable peace.

The book was launched in the distinguished presence of H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Laureate; H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former Vice President of the Republic of South Africa; H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza, Former President of the Central African Republic; and H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, Former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Their participation underscored Africa’s collective, intergenerational commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, African Union (AU) Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, underscored the importance of telling Africa’s own stories, stating: “Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero. We must tell our own stories—stories of resilience, courage, and leadership. This book reminds us that women’s voices must be heard, valued, and integrated at every level of decision-making. As we celebrate 25 years of UNSCR 1325, let us honor these remarkable women and continue to move forward—twende mbele—towards a peaceful and prosperous Africa.”

In her remarks, Ms. Elizabeth Eilor, Senior Gender Advisor at UNOAU, speaking on behalf of the SRSG and Head of UNOAU, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, commended Namibia for its continued leadership, noting that “as the world reflects on 25 years of UNSCR 1325, Namibia’s example underscores what is possible when political will meets women’s agency and commitment to peace.”

Five of the women featured in the publication were present at the launch and shared their powerful stories of leadership, resilience, and transformation, illustrating the spirit of UNSCR 1325 in action. The publication was made possible with the generous support of the Governments of Ireland and Norway.

A second launch event will take place in New York during the Women, Peace and Security Week, continuing to amplify the voices and experiences of African women peacebuilders on the global stage. The book is available for download here: https://linktr.ee/SheStandsForPeace