Gender, Peace and Disarmament

In 2000 the first resolution of the Security Council concerning women, peace and security affirmed the need to increase women's ‘role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution', and recognized the utility of their ‘full participation in the peace process [which] can significantly contribute to the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security.' UNIFEM played a
key role in the adoption of this resolution, providing technical advice and bringing women from various conflict zones to testify before the Security Council. Resolution 1325 is a powerful mechanism for advancing the goals of international peace and security. And while the developments in the field of disarmament outlined above are positive first steps, we have only just begun to realize the potential of resolution 1325 and the contribution that gender perspectives can make towards reaching these goals.