India even has the distinction of being the first country to deploy a full female peacekeeping unit of 100 personnel in Liberia in 2007. This oft cited Indian example, unfortunately still remains a rarity.

In Sikhism, women are considered to have the same souls as men and an equal right to grow spiritually. They are allowed to lead religious congregations, take part in the Akhand Path (the continuous recitation of the Holy Scriptures), perform Kirtan (congregational singing of hymns), work as a Granthi, and participate in all religious, cultural, social, and secular activities.

I would like to reiterate India's frrm commitment to its international obligations flowing out of the Resolution 1325 and its successor resolutions and look forward to engaging constructively and proactively with other delegations in the Security Council from the beginning of next year, when we assume our responsibility as a member ofthe Security Council.

Having had the resolution in operational mode for a decade, we need to redouble our efforts to increase women's participation at all stages and all levels of the peace processes and peacebuilding efforts.

Discussions on the establishment of a Security Council Working Group dedicated to reviewing the progress in implementing this Resolution are both relevant and has our support. We are confident that such an effort will go a long way in transforming words into concrete action.

There is a vital need for a system of monitoring the status of implementation of 1325. Therefore, Iceland urges the Security Council to adopt the indicators put forward in the Secretary General's report so that UN organizations, member states and civil society are able to measure the impact on the ground and men and women around the world to reap the benefit.

The recognition by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) ten years ago of gender equality as a security issue was a watershed, both for women and our organization. Through the unanimous adoption of resolution 1325, the Council acknowledged not only the needs and concerns of women in connection with peace processes, but underlined the participation of women as an important prerequisite for sustainable peace.

Only a handful of countries have adopted National Action Plans to implement resolution 1325. In the meantime, armed conflicts still devastate the lives of women and girls in many parts of the world. Women are often subjected to terrifying gender-based, sexual violence, which most of the time goes unpunished. Women are also regularly marginalised in peace-making. This is hardly a satisfactory state of affairs.

In addition, Iceland has advocated women's participation in peace negotiations, including through the important work of the International Women's Commission (IWC) bringing together Israeli, Palestinian and international women dedicated to seeing an end to the Israeli occupation and a just peace based on international law, human rights and equality.Lastly, Iceland has emphasised the importance of the gender perspective in international climate

Iceland's National Action Plan has been in place for almost three years. Preparations are under way to revise the plan for adoption next year. This will be done through a participatory, transparent process involving political leaders at the highest level, all relevant government agencies and civil society. The plan will contain specific goals, clear indicators and a transparent monitoring