Participation

Now, in defense, diplomacy, and development, which we consider the three pillars of our foreign policy, we are putting women front and center, not merely as beneficiaries of our efforts but as agents of peace, reconciliation, economic growth, and stability.

In Afghanistan, for example, our diplomatic efforts have been rooted in the notion that respect for the rights of women, as protected in the Afghan constitution, is an essential element of democracy and stability. The United States has backed women's inclusion at all levels, including in the recently formed High Peace Council, because we believe the potential for sustainable peace will be subverted if women are silenced or marginalized.

From Nepal to Guatemala to Uganda, our development agency, USAID, is promoting women's roles in politics, supporting their participation in local peace committees, and helping develop plans to implement 1325. In fact, in the future, every USAID project to prevent or manage conflict will study its effect on women and will include them in the planning and implementation.

Now, women's participation in these activities is not a “nice thing to do.” It's not as though we are doing a favor for ourselves and them by including women in the work of peace. This is a necessary global security imperative. Including women in the work of peace advances our national security interests, promotes political stability, economic growth, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

We have to make concerted efforts to support and strengthen the capacities of women and their networks to actively participate in all processes of conflict prevention and management, as well as in peacebuilding and peace consolidation.

Secondly, women's participation in peace processes and post-conflict planning should be routine,predictable and mandatory. Such participation must now be the norm, not tokenism.

Fourthly, support for post-conflict countries should include reform of their justice systems and security sectors to ensure that there is a credible and supportive environment for the participation and protection of women.

As an equal component of any society, women should have equal and active participation in formulating political, economic and social policies. Equally, as victims of exclusion, as vulnerable targets in conflicts and as mothers and breadwinners, women have high stakes in conflict prevention and resolution, and in all issues related to peace and security.

Second, Women remain acutely under represented women in peace negotiations. And they are often marginalised in efforts to build sustainable peace. Fewer than one in five peace agreements contain specific provisions on women's rights and needs. We need to ensure women are included in conflict resolution and post-conflict peace-building as a matter of course.

In conclusion, Ukraine reiterates its readiness to continue to work constructively with other Member States in order to ensure the protection of women in armed conflict and women's participation in peace processes.