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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As we have said on many occasions, in various forums and events, women must n...

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As we have said on many occasions, in various forums and events, women must not be seen just as victims in armed conflicts. That in itself would be a form of discrimination. An important precondition for eliminating discrimination against women in such situations is their full participation in all related aspects of preventive diplomacy. Women can and must make a more significant contribution to conflict prevention and resolution.

Secondly, women's participation at all stages of the peace process needs to b...

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Secondly, women's participation at all stages of the peace process needs to be enhanced. The exclusion of women and the lack of gender expertise in negotiations may lead to irreversible setbacks for women's rights, leaving crucial issues such women's engagement in post-conflict governance neglected in peace accords. Efforts to increase women's participation in decision-making bodies need to be sustained.

Indeed, while acknowledging that important progress has been accomplished in ...

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Indeed, while acknowledging that important progress has been accomplished in the implementation of resolution 1325 and the subsequent resolutions on Women Peace and Security, we need to recognize that significant challenges still remain: women are still underrepresented at the several levels of peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts as they are inadequately represented in formal peace negotiations.

Women have indeed a crucial role to play in rebuilding war torn societies and...

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Women have indeed a crucial role to play in rebuilding war torn societies and in reserving social cohesion. They did it in Europe during and after two World Wars, they did it in South America and they did it in Africa in countries divided by civilian strive. They still do it on a daily basis in several countries tormented by conflict.

Women are indispensable actors of change and development. The Arab Spring is ...

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Women are indispensable actors of change and development. The Arab Spring is a stage for the active participation of women in political processes. Tunisian, Egyptian and Libyan women have, today, higher and legitimate expectations than in the past regarding their role in the shaping of their countries' future.

To conclude, Madam President, Portugal has been striving to support the promo...

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To conclude, Madam President, Portugal has been striving to support the promotion and protection of the human rights of women but also women's political participation in situations in the agenda of the Council like in Libya, Somalia, South Sudan or in Afghanistan among others. This Council cannot afford to exclude the skills and talents of half of the world's population in the pursuit of peace.

The decision of the Nobel Prize Committee to award the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize...

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The decision of the Nobel Prize Committee to award the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize to three women in recognition "for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work" is a much deserved recognition of women's significant contribution to peacebuilding and democracy.

In this regard, we welcome UN Women's efforts to give technical support to wo...

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In this regard, we welcome UN Women's efforts to give technical support to women's organizations and we recognize that much has been done with success at local and regional level to strengthen women's civil society groups. We also welcome every effort by Member States to promote women's political participation and to eliminate discriminatory or constitutional barriers against women.

Women are decisive actors in the three pillars of achieving lasting peace, na...

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Women are decisive actors in the three pillars of achieving lasting peace, namely, economic recovery, social cohesion and political legitimacy. In that respect, it is essential that emphasis be placed in all post conflict phases on strengthening the rule of law as well as the economic and political empowerment of women in order to guarantee their full insertion in the community.

We have moved forward in recognizing the importance of women's participation ...

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We have moved forward in recognizing the importance of women's participation in peace and security. However, we still face many challenges. What is most important is to join forces so that women and girls are able to exercise their right to live without fear, without violence and with respect and equality of opportunity.

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