Participation

Women's participation and leadership in both the security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes is essential to long-term peace. So, too, is their direct engagement in the implementation of the Framework. Special Envoy Robinson's work to ensure their full and effective participation, including through the recent Bujumbura Conference is long overdue, prospective and reassuring.

In that respect, national action plans on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) are a crucial instrument and must be broadened. As part of its plan of action, France , in partnership with UN-Women, has undertaken cooperation programmes aimed at combating violence against women in Africa and the Arab world.

Armenia takes note of some positive trends in that field. Over the past decade, the Security Council has put in place a normative framework for women's participation in peace processes, the protection and promotion of women's human rights and the mainstreaming of gender equality and perspectives in the contexts of armed conflict, peacebuilding and reconstruction.

Finally, as the representatives of China and Luxembourg, among others, have highlighted, let us not forget that women's full and equal participation is fundamental to combating sexual violence. Women must not be seen merely as passive victims, but as active participants who are central to all efforts to combat that horrific phenomenon.

In that context, we have promoted the inclusion of the gender perspective and leadership functions in the context of our armed forces. There has also been an increasing awareness of gender among the armed forces and the equitable participation of women in peacebuilding and decision-making processes, as well as in international security.

The positive ramifications of increasing women's participation in every context and at every stage of political transition are widely recognized and critically important. Situations of political transition should be perceived as providing opportunities for enhancing women's roles in decision-making at every level. It is equally important to redouble our efforts to combat impunity.

In a peaceful atmosphere, women can fulfil their role as transmitters of values, as economic resource managers and as solidarity supporters and networkers. If they have the space to build networks, women can encourage social and political groups to take preventive measures before conflicts break out.

The five-year plans formulated by the Government of India for economic development recognize the important role of women as agents of sustained socio-economic growth and change by incorporating proposals on gender empowerment. Women's empowerment is essential to promote overall sustainable development. That is also true in conflict situations.

We welcome the fact that a majority of Security Council resolutions focus particular attention on the question of women's effective participation. That fortunate trend should be pursued so that it becomes an essential part of the work of the Council and of the United Nations.