To enhance the participation of women in peace processes, the most effective ...

To enhance the participation of women in peace processes, the most effective
way, we believe, is to empower women, both politically and economically. To
this end, it is important to ensure their equal access to education and information,
since this helps raise their awareness of their own rights and equip them with
necessary knowledge and skills to actively participate in governance and
economic activities and in the peace processes. Gender mainstreaming needs to
be strengthened in peace and security areas with gender incorporated into all
legislations, strategies and policies on conflict prevention and resolution, and
reconstruction. This in turn will build foundations to back women's equal
representation and leadership in peace and security institutions while enlarging
space for their participation in peace talks. The implementation of these can and
should be assisted by the United Nations, through a wide range of measures, from
legal and technical assistance to negotiation and leadership skills training
programs.