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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SOUTH ASIA: Invest More in Women Empowerment

Nations should invest more to educate and empower women, as they can contribute to economic growth and help reduce poverty, international experts said. The observations came at a discussion styled “Making Economic Progress” on the sideline of the symposium “Imagining Another Future for Asia: Ideas and Pathways for Change” at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka yesterday.

ARGENTINA/BRAZIL: Powerful Women Leaders Face Similar Challenges

The high popularity levels of their predecessors smoothed the way for Cristina Fernández and Dilma Rousseff to become presidents of Argentina and Brazil. But they also share the challenge of governing the two biggest countries in South America's Mercosur trade bloc, in the shadow of the leaders who went before them.

IRAN: NCRI Women's Committee Condemns Execution of Zahra Bahrami

Ms. Sarvnaz Chitsaz, NCRI Women's Committee Chair, described the barbaric execution of Ms. Zahra Bahrami as an indication of the weakness of a regime that is becoming increasingly loathed by the Iranian people, especially women, who are resolute in bringing down this misogynist religious fascism ruling Iran and in replacing it with a democracy and popular rule.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Little Recourse for Victims of Gender-Based

Gender-based violence in the occupied Palestinian territory remains at epidemic levels, according to UN agencies, local NGOs and women, while victims lack legal recourse and often face a family backlash for reporting crimes.

KURDISTAN: Women Rights and Politics in Kurdistan

"Are the politicians of Kurdistan ready to bring the faces of femininity to the world?"

"First, we need to develop a culture of respect and admiration for the role women play in our society: in our families, in our schools and in professional fields."-Nechirvan Barzani

PAKISTAN: Vigilante Justice Haunts Women, Says Daily

Islamabad, Jan 25 (IANS) Vigilante justice is haunting women in Pakistan, a leading daily said Tuesday adding: 'Aside from violating human rights, these are blatantly extrajudicial actions that cannot go unpunished in any society that claims to value law and order.'

RWANDA: Rwandan Rebel Leader Wanted for Alleged Crimes in DR Congo Sent to ICC

Callixte Mbarushimana, a Rwandan rebel leader accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was surrendered and transferred today to the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move welcomed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

DRC: Authorities Arrest Army Commander Linked to Alleged Rapes, UN Reports

The authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have arrested the commander of national army soldiers who allegedly went on a rape and looting spree on New Year's Day in the eastern part of the country, the United Nations peacekeeping mission said today.

INDIA: India Calls For 'Effective Prioritisation' Of Gender Issues

India has underlined the need for the UN to prioritise its goals on gender equality and empowerment of women so as to prevent efforts becoming diffused at a key meeting of the world body. “Unless there is effective prioritisation, efforts will get diffused,” Hardeep Singh Puri, India's ambassador to the UN said.

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