KOSOVO: Global Open Day: Kosovar Women Concerned about Economic and Social Security Issues

Date: 
Monday, June 7, 2010
Source: 
UNIFEM
Countries: 
Europe
Europe
Kosovo
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
General Women, Peace and Security

As part of the Global Open Day for women and peace, Kosovar women peace advocates lead by Edita Tahiri, the Minister of Public Administration and the chair of the Regional Women's Lobby for Peace, Security and Justice in Southeast Europe, met on 7 June with the UN Development Coordinator, Osnat Lubrani, and heads of UN agencies in Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244). The meeting took place in the context of the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.

On this occasion, the Kosovar women raised their concerns regarding economic and social security issues impacting women and women's human rights, as well as the implementation of SCR 1325. The issues of highest concern included:

* Women's political empowerment and participation in dialogue, decision-making and negotiations.
* The implementation of gender equality laws, awareness-raising on women's human rights and capacity-building of law enforcement personnel.
* Support for women's economic security.
* The participation of women and inclusion of gender perspectives in the security sector.
* The integration of women from minority communities into all spheres of society, including women victims of domestic violence.
* The need for increased donor support to women's civil society organizations.
* Dedicated funds for the realization of women's human rights, including financial support for enhancing women's leadership in politics.

The outcomes of the meeting will be communicated to the UN Security Council in October 2010, with the aim of informing discussions on means of accelerating the implementation of SCR 1325.

The meeting was organized by the United Nations Kosovo Team, under the leadership of UNIFEM and with the support of UNDP. The Global Open Day is held in response to the call in SCR 1325 for consultation with local and international women's groups and for improved representation of women's concerns in processes of conflict resolution, peace negotiations and peacebuilding.