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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EGYPT: Women's Voices Must Be Heard Without Threat of Violence - UN Official

A senior United Nations official today stressed the need to ensure women can make their voices heard in Egypt without fear of violence, stressing that their right to take part in the country's public life must be protected.

SIERRA LEONE: "Gender equality in SSR is a priority"-ONS Coordinator

The National Security Coordinator (NSCOORD), Retired Brigadier Mustapha M.K. Dumbuya has said that gender equality within the security sector is a high priority for the security sector and therefore called on Women in Security Sector-Sierra Leone (WISS-SL) to capacitate and position themselves, in order to occupy strategic positions in the sector.

WESTERN SAHARA: In Western Sahara, Women Play Large Role in Forgotten Struggle for Independence

As dusk enveloped the salmon-pink houses of this capital city, the brightly colored robes of women stood out in a mass of protesters chanting for independence from Moroccan rule.

CAMBODIA: Parties' Attention Turns to Women and Children

Nearly one week into an election campaign period that has seen Phnom Penh's streets play host to thousands of political party supporters, attention turned Wednesday to policy, when representatives from seven of the eight parties running for seats delivered their manifestos on issues affecting women and children.

SIERRA LEONE: In Sierra Leone, Gender Minister Urges Women to Expose SGBV Perpetrators

The Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs, Hon. Moijue Kaikai has called on women at community level to put hands on deck and collaboratively alert the police and his ministry on issues bordering on sexual and domestic violence so that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

SOUTH ASIA: South Asia Women's Network Holds Strategic Planning Workshop

The South Asia Women's Network (SWAN) found an opportunity to hold a Strategic Planning Workshop in Male (Maldives), and witness firsthand claims by scientists that the waters surrounding the Maldives have risen significantly, and that the island may disappear in less than 200 years.

LIBERIA: Liberian women's war wounds fester

It is over a week since Ruth Flomo was last able to walk, the bullet lodged in her leg an agonising reminder of the terror of being shot in crossfire during Liberia's bloody civil war 10 years ago.

Flomo, then just a teenager, was caught in an exchange of fire between the rebel Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy and troops loyal to ex-president Charles Taylor as the conflict was nearing an end in 2003.

SIERRA LEONE: Sierra Leone: Women Activists Engaged On Constitutional Review

Women activists from various groups in Sierra Leone, including the Parliamentary Female Caucus, 50/50 Group and Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), among others, have ended a one-day consultative conference on the constitutional review process and how they could speak with one voice in championing the welfare of women in the country.

NIGERIA: President Banda to Attend High Level Global Women Network in Nigeria

President Dr Joyce Banda will leave the country on June 26 for Abuja Nigeria where she is expected to attend a High Level Global Women Network on 27 and 28 June 2013.

According to press release from the State House authored by Presidential Press Secretary Steve Nhlane, the President will depart through the Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe at 09:00 hours in the morning.

LIBERIA: Liberian National Police Seeks More Female Recruits

Liberia's national police force (LNP) has begun an intensive recruitment program across the country aimed at women. The effort is part of the government's Poverty Reduction Strategy, which calls for women to make up 20 percent of the police, the army, and other security forces by the end of 2013.

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