STATEMENT OF SLOVAKIA, October, 2015

I would like to emphasize three words here: role, ability and power. The role of women in peace and security is indispensable. The ability of women to inf luence negotiations increases the likelihood that peace agreements will be reached. The power of women has a positive effect on the durability of peace and influences other actors, including young people. Resolution 1325 (2000) has been followed by six others addressing the importance of women’s participation and leadership. Yet we must admit that women are still underrepresented in the area of security. The current share of female negotiators is 9 per cent. Only 4 per cent of the military components in United Nations missions are women, and only 54 countries have formulated national action plans on women and peace and security.