Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Italy (Extract 3)

In keeping with the Secretary-General’s commitment to women’s leadership and gender equality as a vital element of his prevention agenda, Italy launched the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network. The Mediterranean region, as we all know, is key to international peace and security, is currently facing a number of threats, including violent extremism, transnational organized crime, human trafficking and humanitarian emergencies. In such a context, women can effectively help countries prevent conflicts and strengthen national reconciliation processes by ensuring a gendered and inclusive perspective on issues such as security, justice and governance, which are often the root causes of violent conflicts. The Network is specifically aiming at increasing the number of women involved in peacemaking efforts, and at facilitating the appointment of women mediators and Special Envoys at a local and international level, notably in the Mediterranean region.