Argentina: First Regional Workshop on Gender and Peacekeeping (SCR 1325)

July 2008 - (Iansa.org) From 20-22 May 2008 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina (REMUI) organised the First Regional Workshop for the Development of a Gender Policy in the Framework of Peacekeeping Operations, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

This workshop allowed discussion on the promotion and implementation of policies in relation to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (SCR 1325). It also dealt with the participation of women in peacekeeping operations, as well as in related government departments.

Participants included senior officials of the defence, security, and foreign affairs governmental departments, ambassadors, and civil society organizations specialised in issues of security and gender in the region. Asociacion para Politicas Publicas (APP) participated on behalf of the WN.

The workshop was significant because it was the first regional debate around SCR 1325 and its importance not only as an instrument to regulate the role of women in peacekeeping operations and other security and defence activities. It also highlighted the need to develop National Action Plans in the countries of the region. The governments of Norway, Canada and the Netherlands shared their experiences about the implementation of National Action Plans in their respective countries, and progress made on gender policies.

The discussions were extensive and allowed for concrete exchanges of views and ideas between governmental actors from different sectors: the Armed Forces; Security Forces, international organisations such as UNIFEM, and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations of the UN; and civil society organisations. This will help to ensure that policies are not only developed in line with SCR 1325 but have the support of those who will be responsible for their implementation. However, this workshop was the first step in a longer process that requires follow up and further attention.

Argentina was enthusiastic about developing a National Action Plan and its role as a regional champion to implement SCR 1325. Civil society organisations were in agreement with this and commited themselves to awareness raising of the Resolution.

APP plans to participate in subsequent workshops and activities on behalf of the WN and is committed to close cooperation with civil society, governmental agencies and councils, and international organisations. APP is aware of the important role that civil society has in this area, to input into the debate, and the design of public policies around SCR 1325. APP also advocates for the extension and implementation of SCR 1325 in contexts of formal peace, as a tool to protect women and enhance their role in policy design. National Action Plans are the first step that every country can take to start their work around SCR 1325.

From:http://www.iansa.org/women/bulletin15/en-web-iansa-wn-bulletin-15.pdf