CONFERENCE/MEETING: Women and Peacebuilding in the Great Lakes region

Source: 
Permanent Mission of Ireland to the U.N.
Duration: 
Thursday, June 6, 2013 - 20:00
Countries: 
Africa
Central Africa
Congo (Kinshasa)
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
General Women, Peace and Security
Participation
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Initiative Type: 
Conferences & Meetings

On 4th June 2013, the Permanent Mission of Ireland organized and hosted a High Level Panel discussion on Women and Peacebuilding in the Great Lakes region, with the participation of Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa, Mary Robinson; Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Bangura; Development Minister of Ireland Joe Costello and women's civil society leader and Ugandan lawyer and peacebuilder Lina Zedriga.

Robinson focused on asking for support from member states and civil society to ensure the pressure and action needed to implement the February 24th Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework. Robinson referred to the framework as a “Framework of Hope” highlighting the importance of civil society input and collaboration with the UN's efforts to prevent and end violence against women in the region and most particularly in DRC.

Following Robinson, SRSG Bangura and Ugandan peacebuilder Zedriga shared stories that underscored the importance of Robinson's call for action. SRSG Bangura emphasized how women's participation at all levels of decision making was vital to sustainable peace. The road ahead is long and it will not be easy, she said, but by promoting and facilitating women's education, empowerment, and inclusion we will greatly improve our chances.

For more information please contact Tuohy Ahern at tuohy@peacewomen.org