Reconstruction and Peacebuilding

The Reconstruction and Peacebuilding theme focuses on the application of a gender perspective to peacebuilding. The response of local, national, and international systems to women’s priorities in post-conflict situations can significantly impact stability and development.

The realisation of women’s right to full participation in preventing, resolving and recovering from conflict, is critical to building sustainable peace and the fulfilment of human security. Furthermore, the response of local, national and international systems to women’s priorities in post-conflict situations, can significantly impacts the stability and development of communities.

The engagement of women in early stages of peacemaking can increase gender analysis in post-conflict planning, lead to improved outcomes for women, and enhance their capacity to participate in longer-term peacebuilding. However, women’s rights and concerns should not be dependent on the presence of women in peace processes. Systems must be in place to ensure their inclusion is standard operating procedure.

In SCR 1325, the Security Council recognises that addressing the unique needs of women and girls during post-conflict reconstruction requires integrating a gender perspective at all stages (1325,OP8). The Security Council acknowledges the need to counter negative societal attitudes regarding women’s equal capacity for involvement, and calls for the promotion of women’s leadership and support for women’s organizations (1889,OP1). In addition, the Security Council requests training on the protection, rights and needs of women in all peacebuilding measures (1325,OP6).

To achieve this, the Security Council tasks the Secretary-General to report on challenges and make recommendations relevant to the participation of women and gender mainstreaming in peacebuilding and recovery efforts (1888,OP19). In response, the Secretary-General issued a report on women’s participation in peacebuilding in 2010. The report details the challenges obstacles women must confront in participating in recovery and peacebuilding efforts, and advocates for a Seven-Point Action Plan to respond to these challenges.


First, the plan calls to increase women’s engagement in peace processes and to address gender issues in the context of peace agreements. Secondly, the plan urges for the inclusion of gender expertise at senior levels in the UN’s mediation support activities. Thirdly, the plan notes that, while the international community cannot control the gender composition of the negotiating parties, it must investigate strategies for the inclusion of more women. Fourthly, the plan calls for the establishment of mechanisms to ensure that negotiating parties engage with women’s civil society organisations. The Action Plan’s fifth commitment involves increasing the proportion of women decision makers in post-conflict governance institutions. The sixth point addresses rule of law, emphasising the importance of issues such as women’s access to justice and a gender perspective to legal reform. The Action Plan’s seventh commitment is concerned with women’s economic empowerment. The Action Plan’s implementation remains the challenge.

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USA: Military, Civilian Experts Discuss National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security

Military and civilian experts convened at the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) for the inaugural Women, Peace and Security Conference March 29-30, to discuss issues related to the current U.S. National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security.

INTERNATIONAL: Birthing Justice; Women in Peace-building, Peace Amidst War for Resource Control

Birthing Justice: Women Creating Economic and Social Alternatives. The series features twelve alternative social and economic models which expand the possibilities for justice, equity, and strong community. They are based in the U.S., Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Some are national-level, some global-level. Some are propelled by people's movements, some forced or adopted into government policy.

RWANDA: 70 Female Police Officers Complete Training

A group of 77 police officers, 70 of them women, were yesterday commissioned after completing a three-month Police basic training at Police Training School in Gishari, Rwamagana District.

The eighth Police basic training pass-out ceremony, held at the force's headquarters in Kacyiru, is the first to produce a larger number of women officers compared to men in any recruitment drive since the force was established about 12 years ago.

SOUTH SUDAN: The Role of Women in Nation-building in South Sudan

It has been close to eight months since the Republic of South Sudan became independent. The process of state and nation-building is well underway. On 7 March, South Sudan's President, Salva Kiir, issued four decrees announcing 90 ambassadors to be deployed throughout the world in various diplomatic and foreign services posts. Presidential Decree No. 18/2012, [1] No. 19/2012, [2] No. 20/2012, [3]and No.

PNG: Statement: Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women

At the end of her official country mission to Papua New Guinea, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Ms. Rashida Manjoo, delivered the following statement:

HAITI: 10 Female Soldiers Join 15th Peacekeeping Contingent to Haiti

A 155-strong peace-keeping contingent will flew to Haiti yesterday from the Villamor Air Base as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) commitment to the United Nations (UN) Stabilization Mission in Haiti (Minustah).

The all-Navy 15th Philippine Contingent to Haiti (PCH), led by Marine Col. Arthur Biyo, is composed of 12 officers and 143 enlisted personnel, including 10 female-soldiers.

LIBYA: Historic Transition in Libya Must Not Forget the Survivors of Sexual Violence

As the Security Council last week voted unanimously to extend the mandate of the UN's political mission in Libya, its members expressed their deep concern about sexual violence in the country. The United Nations' mandate includes supporting the government in promoting democracy, restoring public security, and explicitly mentions the monitoring and protection of human rights, particularly those of women and vulnerable groups, which I welcome.

NEPAL: Women and War in Nepal

Durga´s tale

Nepal has always inspired travellers and writers in search of adventure and spirituality.

But for the Nepalese, the country's recent history carries more pain than romanticism. Durga Devi Sharma would agree.

Her house is a shrine to the Hindu deities which she believes saved her life 10 years ago.

MIDDLE EAST: Women Take Key Leadership Role in Arab Spring

As the Arab Spring is reshaping social and political structures across the Middle East region, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist from Yemen has said that women will acquire more influence in political and social landscapes in return for their great efforts in bringing down the authoritarian regimes.

MIDDLE EAST: OPINION: A Warning for Women of the Arab Spring

I do not agree with the phrase "Arab Spring." The overthrow of dictatorships is not sufficient in itself. Only when repressive governments are replaced by democracies can we consider the popular uprisings in the Middle East to be a meaningful "spring."

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