Reconstruction and Peacebuilding

Not least, Mr. President, the international community has every interest to ensure the full involvement of women in all stages of peace process and peacebuilding. Women as peace-makers. Women as peace-builders. In an era where opportunities and knowledge are abundant; we find that women's potential contribution to conflict resolution processes have not been adequately harnessed.

An enormous deficit for our common efforts. To exclude or omit women's participation from conflict resolution process
deprives the effort of representation of major stakeholders and a sustainable peace based on inclusion of all perspectives.
Thus, widening opportunity for women to participate in various stages of peace and conflict resolution process demands support

A woman can make a fundamental difference in peace process if she has the
necessary negotiating tools at her disposal; if she has the necessary space to
participate and use these tools; and if she has; the support system of her own
constituents. It is from this perspective that Indonesia views the strengthened participation of
women in peace processes. Capacity building is the core component to ensure

Women activists in many parts of the world suffering from armed conflict are struggling in their efforts to bring public attention to the fact that women and children, including infants, are faced with extremely high levels of violence, including sexual violence and abuse, by men. Its ongoing effects, long after war is over, should be a primary concern to those who advocate greater inclusion of women in peace-building institutions.

There has not been enough research conducted on the cross-border dimensions of armed conflict that stem from the uncontrolled movement of armed forces and groups across poorly patrolled frontiers, especially in places like the Sudan and the DRC region.

The United Nations, national governments as well as individual donors should listen clearly to the views of women civil society orgarizations. These organizations in turn need to receive their fair share of professional education and support. It is a government's obligation to fulfill their responsibilities to establish and maintain women-friendly security, health and education services.

The expansion of women's roles as peace-builders is achievable, notwithstanding negative views that may arise on social change folowing armed conflict and a tendency by male dominated societies in post-conflict regiors to undermine the new roles women can have in helping to resolve conflict and associated violence.

The Croatian national strategy for the promotion of gender equality 2006-20 10 contains several measures related to promoting the application of Security Council resolution 1325 and commitments arising from the Beijing Platform.

Female experts on gender issues will be included in political activities related to peace- building, regional cooperation and national security. The representation of women in the Croatian Ministry of Defence and Croatia's Armed Forces will be increased, with special emphasis on increasing their representation in managerial positions.

Although many women were victims in the wars that took place in South East Europe, they also had an active role in opposing armed conflict and building understanding and peace amongst the national groups of our region.