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 >>

ANALYSIS: Hamas and Women: Clearing Misconceptions - Ahmed Yousef

Women in every society have a different perception of their respective roles, which are generally molded by social and cultural norms. Evidently in many parts of the world, these social and cultural norms have restricted women of their due rights.

BLOG: Incomplete Resolution: The Problems of Excluding Women from Peace Processes

10 years ago, Resolution 1325 was signed at the UN, recognising the devastating affects of conflict on women and making women's involvement in peace-building processes from their earliest stage an absolute imperative. Despite this, not enough has been done to involve women in the politics of post-conflict resolution.

VIDEO: Afghan Women MPs

This indicator will not tell the real story. Women constitute 27 per cent of Afghanistan parliament against 11 per cent in India. But listening to Habiba Danish and Shukriya Paikan, the women members of the Afghanistan parliament, can give you a fair idea that numbers can't say it all. Nor do comprehend what they have gone through before reaching where they are now. But, they can tell you the real tales of grit.

ANALYSIS: Why We Need Quotas for Women MPs

Gender discrimination is pervasive and pernicious, and it remains the case that, to varying degrees, women and girls do not enjoy equal access to resources, opportunities or political power in any region of the world.

INTERVIEW: Being at the Table: Interview with Carolyn McAskie

Carolyn McAskie had a long and distinguished career with the United Nations, her positions including Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Humanitarian Affairs, ASG for Peacebuilding and Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Operation in Burundi. Prior to working for the UN, Ms. McAskie worked with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

BLOG: Air Force Pilot Encourages Iraqi Women to Aim High

As security continues to improve in Iraq, the country is rebuilding both its civilian and military aviation sectors. Now that all legal restrictions on women in aviation careers have been removed, Iraqi women now have opportunities to excel in this field. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad will host an event to provide practical advice and encouragement for Iraqi women interested in flying.

VIDEO: Hillary Clinton: Empower Girls and Women

Washington (CNN) -- Toward the end of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's surprise appearance at the TED Women conference Wednesday, she told the story of a girl and her father in a developing country.

VIDEO: Women in Uganda

Ugandan Member of Parliament Betty Amongi explains why women are so important to peace and security in Uganda.

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