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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ZIMBABWE: Jestina Mukoko Still in Custody as Case Postponed Again

The case against human rights activist Jestina Mukoko and her eight other co-accused was once again postponed in the Harare magistrates court on Tuesday, in order for a superior court to rule on the group's arrest.

SOUTH AFRICA: Cabinet to Consider Concept Paper on Women's Ministry

A concept paper for the establishment of a Ministry for Women and Gender Affairs is to be presented to Cabinet for consideration.

A task team made up of women from government and non-government organisations (NGOs) is expected to finalise the concept paper next week and present it to Cabinet by the end of the month.

SOUTH AFRICA: Government to Facilitate Processes Dealing with Gender Equality

Government is to facilitate the processes aimed at strengthening the machineries dealing with matters of gender equality such as 50/50 representation in decision-making structures.

ZIMBABWE: 'an Opportunity to do things Differently'

As Zimbabwe's government of national unity begins its work, gender activists are pushing for a greater place for women in decision-making.

BOTSWANA: Gender Talks Kick Off

Gender talk hits town as parallel gender training and capacity workshops will be held at the same time in Gaborone and Mogoditshane. Johannesburg-based GEMSA and Gender Links will hold two different workshops at the Big 5 lodge in Mogoditshane. The workshop on gender, elections and media training would commence thirty minutes after the gender and local government and media workshop in the same premises.

BOTSWANA: 'There is No Gender Balance in Councils'

There is gender imbalance in councils throughout the country, where men outnumber women. Addressing councillors at a gender and local government strategy workshop, women affairs director Marty Legwaila said that out there is only one woman heading a council as council chairperson.

BOTSWANA: Row Over Nasha's 'Sexist' Language

Statements that were attributed to a senior Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) official, Margaret Nasha, about women politicians, have riled opposition parties.

Addressing a recent BDP function in Palapye, Nasha is reported to have urged BDP male candidates to defeat opposition women candidates.

SOUTH AFRICA: Gender Equality Placed High on the Govt's Agenda

The National Gender Machinery launched its 50/50 national campaign, which aims to increase equal representation of women in decision-making positions, on Thursday.

The Minister in the Presidency Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, launching the campaign, said: "We are beginning a really big movement of 50-50 representation in decision-making positions."

BOTSWANA: 30% Quota for Women in Power Elusive?

The number of women contesting council seats in Selebi-Phikwe is disappointing despite efforts to sensitise and encourage them to occupy positions of authority.

HAITI: Where Are the Women in Reconstruction?

Women and gender issues were glaring in their absence from the March 31st Haiti International Donors' Conference held in New York when billions of dollars were pledged to finance Haiti's reconstruction. Haiti's National Plan of Action, the blueprint guiding reconstruction efforts and resource allocation, was based on a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA).

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