Participation

The Participation theme focuses on women’s representation and participation in peace processes, electoral process – as both the candidate and voter – UN decision-making positions, and in the broader social-political sphere.

The Security Council acknowledges the need for strategies to increase women’s participation in all UN missions and appointments to high-level positions in SCR 1325(OP3) and 1889(OP4) and further emphasises the need for women’s participation in peacebuilding processes (1889). 

Specifically, it calls for the mobilisation of resources for advancing gender equality and empowering women (OP14), reporting on the progress of women’s participation in UN missions (OP18), equal access to education for women and girls in post-conflict societies (OP11), and the increase of women’s participation in political and economic decision-making (OP15). Until this language translates into action, the potential for women’s full and equal contribution to international peace and security will remain unrealized.

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Statement of Namibia on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015

Hon. Sra. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia at the UN Security Council open debate on WPS.pdf

Statement of Liechtenstein, October, 2015

Extract: 

The Global Study also provides unequivocal evidence that full and equal participation of women at all levels, especially in decision-making and conflict resolution, is essential for the establishment and maintenance of peace. However, ensuring meaningful participation of women will only be possible if we change attitudes and make sure everybody is on board - including men and boys.

Statement of Honduras, October 2015

Extract: 

Last and most significant, only through consciousness and recognition of women and their role and impact in culture and heritage and we inherit a culture of peace to the next generations. Women share strong bonds with traditions which trace back to ancient civilizations. The indigenous woman, who is susceptible to social cultural barriers, is wise and knowledgeable and shares the aches and pain o f mother earth.

Statement of India, October, 2015

Extract: 

Due to this major shortcoming, the elaborate normative framework and the Secretary General's 7-Point Action Plan on gender-responsive peacebuilding, has not been achieved. The United Nations must encourage the full and meaningful participation and leadership of women in the decision making processes of conflict prevention, conflict-resolution and post-conflict reconstruction.

Statement of Honduras on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015

H.E. Mrs. Mary E Flores of Honduras at the UN Security Council open debate on WPS.pdf

Statement of Romania, October, 2015

Extract: 

The Romanian Ministry of Defense has adopted an Action Plan aimed at implementing the seven resolutions in the field of women, peace and security. Based on our Constitutional provisions, it promotes a fair and balanced access of men and women, military or civilian personnel, to both senior-level and executive positions.

Statement of Romania on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015

H.E. Ion Jinga Rep of Romania at the UN Security Council open debate on WPS.pdf

Statement of African Union, October, 2015.

Extract: 

Starting with the leadership of its own paramount continental institution, Africa adopted the principle of parity and acted on it. Out of the ten members of the Executive of the Commission, Five are women. The chairperson has continued to strengthen the participation of women by appointing recently a woman as the Secretary General of the Commission, as well as her Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff.

Statement of African Union on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015

H.E Mrs. Bineta Dio of African Union at the UN Security Council open debate on WPS.pdf

Statement of Angola, October, 2015

Extract: 

1. Increase the participation of Women and integrate gender equality into all stages of peacebuilding processes, including at all decision-making levels;

2. Ensure the Training and Empowerment of all Women, girls and boys in peacebuilding processes, both in gender equality and gender-based violence, as well as other relevant aspects of Resolutions 1325 and 1820;

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