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.

For more resources on this Critical Issue, visit PeaceWomen Resource Center >>

PAKISTAN: Gender Equality: Pushing on to Reduce the Gender Gap

Economic disparities among haves and have-nots in Pakistan have made life challenging for men, however, their plight cannot be compared to that of women, who are still unaware and deprived of their fundamental rights.

NEPAL: Women Lawmakers Dissatisfied with Limited Role

Women lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction over their limited role in the Constituent Assembly.

Speaking at a programme on ‘Women's role in the Constitution Assembly', Chitra Lekha Yadav, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and treasurer of the Nepali Congress, said though the country needs women's participation, they were neglected in policy making roles.

ISRAEL: Israel's Katsav Rape Case: A Plus for Women's Rights?

In a parliamentary government like Israel's, pretty much all executive power resides in the Prime Minister. The office of President carries certain responsibilities, such as signing treaties and appointing the head of the central bank, but it's largely a ceremonial post. Israel's head of state is basically there to make the country look good.

SIERRA LEONE: Sierra Leone's Progress in Peacebuilding, Gender Empowerment, Democracy and Transparent Government Celebrated

Sierra Leone ‘s remarkable progress in building a peaceful society where multi-party democracy, political tolerance and transparent government now prevail was celebrated all last week at the United Nations where the Peacebuilding Sierra Leone Country Specific Configuration review meetings were held . With Foreign Minister , Hon . J.B.

INDIA: Rapes of Women Show Clash of Old and New India

The young lovers met at a secluded spot next to a field of wheat at the edge of this sprawling suburb of New Delhi, where the timeless India of mustard fields and bullock carts abuts the frantically rising apartment towers of the budding middle class. They went seeking solitude, but instead found themselves at the violent cusp of old India and new.

SIERRA LEONE: Civil Society has Key Role to Play in Sierra Leone's Redevelopment – UN

Civil society in general and women in particular have a critical role to play in cementing Sierra Leone's transition from conflict to peace and development, a senior United Nations official said today.

IRAQ: Iraqi Women Come Together Fighting Violence Against Women

The Ministry of State for Women Affairs agreed on Thursday with the Ministries of Health, Labor and Interior and the United Nations Fund for Population, as well as civil society organizations to implement the qualitative social program to combat violence against women.

INDIA: Women in India: The Long Road from Purdah to Power

The first time Mumal Barupal went to a meeting of her village council, she sat on the floor, off to the side of the benches occupied by the other members, in purdah – her face completely veiled by the end of her sari.

Then she ran the meeting: She was the newly elected mayor.

Pages