General Women, Peace and Security

The potential of women to facilitate the process of conflict resolution and peacebuilding is often unrealized, thus undermining the effectiveness and sustainability of peace initiatives. Experience shows that female experts can provide additional lines of communication to local communities that are not open to male soldiers.

Conflict prevention is an essential element of the women and peace and security programme.

Despite some signs of progress, the impact on women’s lives and on their role in the world has been sporadic. Conf licts have devastating consequences for everyone, but women and girls are often the target of gender-based violence and are those most excluded from the political processes that are essential to guaranteeing peace and security.

We must build on the considerable progress that has already been made on the women and peace and security agenda. With their assistance and experience, the United Nations agencies and the organizations in the field, particularly the International Committee of the Red Cross, have made a substantial contribution by implementing our commitments and sharing their expertise.

Each State and each international or regional organization has a role to play in advancing the role of women in the interest of peace and security. But the Security Council must also fulfil the role it has taken on in adopting this historic resolution 15 years ago. It must show political will and courage.

The economic empowerment of women and adolescent girls continues to be supported through microcredit, agricultural schemes and training iin business and life skills. To complement the active participation of women at the national level, the Government has integrated a gender perspective into the decentralization process, which will open up opportunities for women to serve in leadership positions at subnational and local levels.

What can be done? Education is essential in empowering women with knowledge, skills and self- confidence. Unfortunately, in many conflicts, attacks on schools and the freedom of thought are a common reality. Furthermore, the development of quota systems could, in some cases, provide positive impetus for increased women’s involvement.