Rebalancing from Protection to Participation - WILPF Australia

In recent years, the international community has drawn increasing attention to sexual violence in armed conflict. The Stop Rape Now Campaign saw more coordinated efforts to address sexual violence in armed conflict. But the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict exponentially raised the profile of the issues. However, none of the pillars of the WPS agenda has higher importance than the others. Addressing issues of SGBV is inextricably linked to women’s participation, enhanced participation leads to enhanced protection. 

The first part of this submission will provide examples of how, in fragile states, women’s participation in politics and decision making, justice and security, and peace processes is crucial to addressing sexual and gender based violence (SGBV). The second part of the submission will outline some ongoing barriers to women’s participation in international and local peace processes. The submission concludes with key recommendations for the Global Study.