WASHINGTON--(ENEWSPF)--January 16, 2014. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) today introduced the Women, Peace and Security Act of 2014. The bipartisan legislation would ensure future implementation of the Obama Administration's "United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security," which is aimed at increasing the role of women in peacebuilding efforts around the world, by codifying the National Action Plan into law.
Women are disproportionately affected by violence and armed conflict but are often underrepresented in peace negotiations. Evidence has shown that including women in efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts helps to promote democracy and increases the likelihood that the peace process will succeed.
"Now is the time for more women across the world to have a bigger and more pronounced role in international peace talks and negotiations," Senator Kirk said. "This bill would empower women and ensure that they are part of the process to build lasting peace in regions afflicted by war, instability and violence."
"For too long, women have been left out of peace negotiations – even though they are disproportionately affected by these conflicts," Senator Boxer said. "It is critical that we make sure women's voices are heard to prevent deadly conflicts and improve the lives of women around the world."
The President released the National Action Plan in December 2011, expressing the United States' unqualified commitment to empower women as equal partners in preventing conflict and building peace around the globe. The Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2014 would ensure that the goals and objectives of the National Action Plan are integrated into future foreign policy decisions and that the United States will continue to lead in its commitment to women's participation in peace and security efforts for years to come.
