General Women, Peace and Security

Last night the East West Institute, a foreign policy think tank that promotes dialogue and understanding on security issues—these days, often with Afghanistan, Pakistan and other South Asian nations—held its annual awards dinner.

Women and children shared the spotlight at the 27th session of the U.N. General Assemblyon Tuesday, (Sept. 25). Among the announcements: new money to protect them from sexual violence.

While the world has made significant strides in expanding opportunity for women and girls, continued inequalities remain, particularly in the areas of women's political participation and economic opportunity. Growing bodies of evidence show that women's political and economic empowerment are critical to fostering international peace and security, growing vibrant market economies, and supporting open and accountable governance.

It is an honor to take part in today's forum, and to be joined by so many distinguished Heads of State and Government, honorable ministers, diplomats, and civic leaders. I'd like to thank Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon for convening this critical discussion.

Margarita Lopez begins to speak about the horrible events that marked the end of her daughter's life in a low, even tone. Some 40 women in a plush Washington, D.C. meeting room listen silently as tears roll down their cheeks.

The West Africa Network of Peace building (WANEP) Tuesday commenced a three-day training on 'Peace building and conflict mediation' for women from the West Coast and Lower River Regions, at the conference hall of the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in Bakau.

Samar women were given recognition for their efforts to keep peace in the towns of San Jorge, Matuginao, and San Jose de Buan.

During the two-day seminar-workshop on women, peace, and security at Caluwayan Palm Beach Resort, Brgy. Caluwayan, Marabut, Samar last September 24-25, concerns on women surfaced.

Liberian women have re-echoed their call for robust steps to be taken by the government, especially the judiciary, to end sexual and Gender based violence (SGBV) against them.

They re-echoed the call at the Women, Peace, and Security forum recently organized in Gbarnga, Bong County by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

Malawi President Joyce Banda and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf delivered blunt advice Monday to those seeking ways to translate the principle of gender equality into practice: “Listen to the women.”

On October 1st parliamentary elections will be held in Georgia. Currently there are only 6.6 percent women representatives in the Georgian parliament, the lowest number in all of Europe.To achieve long-term stability in Georgia, it is crucial to include more women in the decision-making processes, says Alla Gamakharia from the women and peace organization Cultural-Humanitarian Fund Sukhumi, based in Kutaisi.