Work

Integrating the everyday digital practices of women traditional leaders into South Africa’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: While global and national frameworks such as United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and South Africa’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) emphasise women’s participation in peace and security, grassroots actors – particularly women traditional leaders – are often overlooked. Drawing on engagements with queens and women traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape, the study highlights how everyday digital practices are being used to build networks, share resources, and advance peace and development in contexts of poverty and inequality. By situating these practices within Africa’s broader innovations in WPS implementation, the article underscores the importance of recognising digital grassroots peacebuilding as central to achieving ‘positive peace’ rooted in justice, dignity and social well-being. It argues that integrating the digital practices of women traditional leaders into South Africa’s WPS plan would strengthen its effectiveness and ensure that local contributions are meaningfully incorporated into national and regional peace and security frameworks.

Source: South African Journal of International Affairs

DOI: 10.1080/10220461.2026.2683198

Author: Cori Wielenga

Institution: University of Pretoria

Language: English

Topic: Gender, Security, and Conflict

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, National Research Foundation