During a recent visit to Mali I saw first-hand some of the acute challenges w...

During a recent visit to Mali I saw first-hand some of the acute challenges women face in times of crisis and conflict. My time there left a deep impression on me. I promised the women leaders with whom I met in Bamako that I would convey their message to this Council. They told me disturbing accounts of the abuses women face in the northern part of the country now under extremists' rule and occupation. Sexual violence against women is widespread. And I met women who had been raped. Despite being the primary victims of a combined security, political and humanitarian crisis, they remain excluded from the various bodies seeking possible solutions. They urged me to make known to the outside world, the need not only to ease their suffering, but to strengthen women's participation in resolving the crisis and preparing for a better future.