Message From the Chairperson

Distinguished Chiefs of Defence Forces and Colleagues, it is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that today I take over the leadership of the Executive Committee of the Women Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence Network. I would like to congratulate my predecessor, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, for his exemplary leadership over the past year. As he takes over the Ex Officio position on the Committee, I expect him to continue to support us as we work together to take the Network to greater heights.  I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman, Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Forces, for her invaluable support throughout her time on the Executive Committee, where she served in various roles, including Chairperson and Ex Officio member.

Since its formation in 2017, the Network has grown to a membership of sixty countries. This is a true testament to the commitment of various Chiefs of Defence Forces to ensure inclusivity in military operations. 

The Women, Peace and Security agenda, anchored in the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions, remains one of the most transformative frameworks in modern security governance. The Women, Peace and Security agenda challenges us not only to expand opportunities for women in the defence forces but also to fundamentally strengthen the effectiveness, legitimacy and sustainability of our operations. It is now 25 years since the landmark United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) was adopted. Despite the military being a unique profession, most defence forces have been at the forefront of integrating a gender perspective into their operations. Therefore, as I take over as the Chairperson of the Executive Committee, I assure all the members of my support in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda. As Chiefs of Defence, we are responsible for translating global commitments into measurable action. As such, the theme for this year’s Women, Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence Network is Inclusive Security: Strengthening Operations Through Gender Awareness.

Under my leadership, I would like to focus our collective efforts under the following strategic priorities:

Expansion of the Network. The Women Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence Network is an organisation open to any member of the United Nations. Out of the 193 members of the United Nations, only 60 are members of the network. I therefore call upon fellow members of the network to reach out to other member states who may not be aware of the Network and invite them to join.  

Operational Effectiveness.  Integrating a gender perspective is not symbolic; it is a strategic necessity. Evidence from peace operations has shown that gender-responsive planning improves situational awareness, strengthens community trust, enhances force protection, and increases mission success. Therefore, this calls for adequate training of commanders to equip and empower them to apply the Women, Peace and Security principles in complex and dynamic operational environments.

To fully realise these priorities, our strong collaboration is essential. We will need to work with both international and regional organisations to further strengthen the Network. We must continue to exchange best practices and lessons learned to improve our operational standards.

As I assume this leadership, I do so with humility and determination. I look forward to working closely with all Chiefs of Defence Forces to deepen our impact and sustain the momentum already achieved. I strongly believe that together, we can ensure the Women, Peace and Security agenda is not merely endorsed in principle but embedded in practice.  Let us reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing this agenda as a cornerstone of modern military leadership. 

Thank you.

Charles Murui Kahariri

General

Chief of Defence Forces

Kenya Defence Forces