IRELAND: Empowering Women to Promote Peace and Security

Source: 
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Duration: 
Saturday, August 9, 2014 - 20:00
Countries: 
Europe
Western Europe
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
General Women, Peace and Security
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Initiative Type: 
Appeals & Demonstrations
Campaigns
Other

The participation of women in conflict resolution and mediation efforts around the world is an enormous force for good. But women and girls are also often the most vulnerable in armed conflict situations.

Women, Peace and Security
Almost 15 years ago, the UN Security Council recognised the unique and disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls. Its response? Resolution 1325, urging that international law in particular on the rights and protection of women and girls is observed during and after conflict.

This resolution, along with six related resolutions adopted since 2000, also highlights the critical role of women and girls in conflict prevention and resolution, peace negotiations, peace-building, and post-conflict reconstruction and governance.

Ireland answers the call
Our first National Action plan (2011-2014) on Women, Peace and Security outlined how Ireland helped to put this essential resolution into practice. It focused on five pillars.

Pillar 1: Prevention of Conflict Including Gender Based Violence and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Pillar 2: Participation and Representation of Women in Decision Making

Pillar 3: Protection from Gender Based Violence and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Other Violations of Women's Human Rights and International Law

Pillar 4: Relief, Recovery, and Rehabilitation

Pillar 5: Promotion of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in International, Regional and National Arenas

This plan contains a range of actions across government, in particular for the Defence Forces and Irish Aid. A Monitoring Group including civil society organisations has produced an independent Mid-Term Progress Report.

Much progress has been made. However, there have been gaps and challenges.

Ireland's second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security
The Conflict Resolution Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade has now opened a public consultation process for Ireland's second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. Details are contained in the Consultation Document.

The participation of women is crucial for building sustainable peace – Minister Flanagan

This plan will set out the whole-of-government actions Ireland will take to implement the seven Women, Peace and Security resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. These resolutions recognise the distinct adverse effect of conflict on women and girls, as well as the importance of women's participation in decision making in order to build sustainable peace.

Exclusively all female Guard of Honour, drawn from women of all ranks and skill sets serving in the Army, Navy and Air Corps

Have your say
All submissions are welcome, but in particular those from:

  • Women and men affected by conflict, both interstate and intrastate conflict, living overseas or on the island of Ireland
  • Grass roots civil society organisations, in particular women's groups, both in Ireland and overseas, that work with women who have been affected by conflict
  • International non-governmental organisations working in conflict and post-conflict situations
  • Independent experts, academics or practitioners with experience of or working in the fields of gender equality, conflict resolution, peace-building, mediation, justice and accountability and related areas.
  • Why we Support UNSCR1325


How to Make A Submission?

All the details are contained in the Consultation Document. Submissions should be no longer than 3,000 words, and are preferred by Friday 15 August 2014