Participation

Myanmar's 10-year National Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Women (2013-2022) covers key areas of the UN agenda, including women's empowerment; prevention of violence against women and girls; women participation in politics and public office; women, peace and security; and gender mainstreaming.

Without full and effective participation of women at all levels of decision-making, we will not be able to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence efficiently.

Ukraine considers equal and full participation of women in all activities in the area of prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace-building and peacekeeping, to be of utmost importance.

Patterns of sexual violence are often embedded in and compounded by underlying structural conditions such as inequality, gender-based discrimination and the violations of minority rights. The empowerment of women is therefore a key ingredient of an effective response. This requires increased representation of women in mechanisms to address conflicts and the incorporation of a gender perspective in conflict resolution and peace processes.

There is no better means to protect women from violence during conflict than preventing the eruption of conflict itself. Attention must be given to ensuring that women’s voices are heard and their effective participation is availed of throughout the whole process.

Promoting gender equality and women's participation is critical if we are to ever tackle the causes of sexual violence. We must always remember that women are not only victims; they are also a great resource for their communities and countries.

Research shows that female participation improves dispute resolutions. Women need to be at the table during peace negotiations. The United Nations should strive to include female representation in negotiating bodies and mediating teams.