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.

For more resources on this Critical Issue, visit PeaceWomen Resource Center >>

RWANDA: To What Extent Is Country Feminist?

Opinion: A survey by the Gender Monitoring Office, reported in the Wednesday, June 6, 2012, issue of The New Times, raised some concerns that women representation in leadership across various sectors is not as should be expected. It suggests that more needs to be done to raise their participation.

ZIMBABWE: We Need More Women in Politics

Opinion: A few years ago, Liberia made a giant step towards women empowerment by voting for the continent's first female President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Her election positively contributed to the increasing number of women who have made it to the top in Africa over the years.

Kabul: A City At Work presents Naheed Farid, the Youngest Female MP

My name is Naheed Farid.

I am the youngest MP in Parliament. I am a representative of Herat province. I also consider myself a representative of youth and women.

Women's League of Burma Calls for Greater Women's Participation in Peace Process

The Women's League of Burma welcomes the inclusion of two women parliamentarians in the newly formed union level Peace Committee. However, the WLB urges U Thein Sein's government to consider a much greater increase in women's participation as a start towards a genuine process of talks for sustainable and lasting peace.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: A Worthy Fight: Helping Increase Gender Equality in Papua New Guinea

Women advocates in Papua New Guinea (PNG) have worked tirelessly over the years to increase gender equality in the island nation. This year, they reached a high point as parliament voted to amend the constitution and create an additional 22 reserved seats for women, although the effort has yet to be passed into law.

VIDEO: Women in the World 2012: Hillary Clinton: "Women Need to Be Able to Choose"

Why do extremists—in every country—want to control women? The Secretary of State said that even the U.S. ought to live its own values because "America needs to set an example for the entire world." Watch the Secretary's rousing call for change.

AUSTRALIA: UN Women Parliamentary International Women's Day Breakfast: Speech by Hon Julie Collins, Minister for the Status of Women

Speech delivery location: Parliament House, Canberra

Good morning and welcome to the UN Women Parliamentary International Women's Day Breakfast.

Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we are meeting on today and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.

SOUTH ASIA: Making Women Count for Peace: Gender, Empowerment and Conflict in South Asia

​​The Research Council of Norway (INDNOR/NORGLOBAL) funds PRIO research project on women's participation in governance and peacebuilding in South Asia>

Sisters Doin' it For Themselves

What began as a small experiment in equality and integration eight years ago in Copenhagen has turned into a model for volunteer mentorship programmes around the world.

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