The Sierra Leone Experience: The Role of Women in the Consolidation of Our Peace
Presented by Barbara Thaimu-Bangura
Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies, gentlemen.
My name is Barbara Bangura and I coordinate an NGO in Sierra Leone that works to build the capacity of marginalized women in society to ensure self reliance through peace and development.
On 25 October 2005, the government of Denmark, as a member of the Security Council, hosted an Arria Formula meeting, an informal, off-the-record meeting, on women, peace and security in order to mark the anniversary of UNSC Resolution 1325. Many members of the Council attended the meeting, and there was significant attendance by Permanent Representatives and Deputy Permanent Representatives from the Missions.
Maria Butler opened the event with a brief introduction of WILPF’s work and the momentous year ahead. After contextualising the WPS Agenda in post-2015, she shared some of WILPF’s highlights this year, including the launch of Peace Women’s new website and the WILPF100 Conference in April.
October 31st 2001 marks the Anniversary of the Security Council's first debate and landmark resolution on women, peace and security. Though resolutions do not usually have anniversaries, Resolution 1325 is different - it is the first to have a powerful, global constituency, and the first to be supported by a vibrant women's movement.
