Participation

In translating this strategy into reality, Togo promoted the participation of women's civil society organizations in the signing of the comprehensive political agreement of 2006, which allowed the country to emerge from the socio-political crisis that began in 1990. They also played an active role in the work of the truth, justice and reconciliation commission, the results of which were accepted by almost all of the population.

When the situation demands it, Thai women can also be effective agents of peace, as caring peacekeepers and peacebuilders. We were pleased to see the role of female peacekeepers mentioned in several parts of the Secretary-General's report. Thailand also attaches great importance to enhancing the role and participation of women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations.

Another milestone for women in Thailand was the admission of female cadets, in 2009, to the century-old Police Cadet Academy. After graduation, the first batch of female cadets will be assigned the important task of dealing with cases involving violence against women and children.

First, on mediation, the Secretary-General's report provides us with important facts and figures. Unfortunately, it comes to the conclusion that progress remains limited with regard to the inclusion of women in peace talks and the inclusion of women's issues in peace agreements. Our challenge today is to identify opportunities for their participation and to offer them such opportunities at all levels.

Women and men must have full and equal opportunity to participate in all political processes linked to conflict resolution and the promotion of stability, peace and security. That includes conflict prevention, mediation processes at all levels, including contact groups and informal consultations, as well as formal negotiation, peace-agreement implementation mechanisms and donor conferences.

We thank the Secretary-General for his report (A/66/811) on strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution and its annex I, entitled “Guidance for Effective Mediation”. Both the report and the Guidance highlight the importance of the role of women.

That of course requires everyone to do their part. As committed Member States, we commit to supporting women's active participation and to fostering a gender perspective in all our peace and security efforts. That includes promoting women's inclusion in peace processes and ensuring that personnel and troops are adequately trained to take women's rights and perspectives fully into account.

Not providing protection for women in conflict constitutes serious neglect; not tapping the resources of women in building peace is seriously wasteful.

In conclusion, 12 years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we, the Nordic countries, renew our commitment to the equal right of women to determine the peaceful future of their societies. We recognize that full and effective participation of women and men alike enhances the legitimacy of peace processes, as well as the prospect for a durable and lasting peace.

Now, 66 per cent of Government officials are women; 28 per cent serve in Parliament. Their participation in the private sector is 54 per cent. They contribute 87 per cent of the gross domestic product. In the judicial sector, women account for 80 per cent of the judges. There are 50 female diplomats, including ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions.