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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CHILE: Chile's Bachelet to Run for Re-election

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday announced her candidacy in presidential elections to be held on November 17. The country's first female leader, who governed from 2006 to 2010, is widely tipped as favourite to win the race.

Popular former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet announced late Wednesday that she is running in November 17 election.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Water Shortage Hits Pacific Women

The Solomon Islands, a developing island nation in the south-west Pacific Islands, has one of the highest urbanisation rates in the region, and the basic service infrastructure is struggling to cater for the influx of people from the provinces to the capital, Honiara. Thirty-five percent of the city's population, who live in informal settlements, are facing the health consequences of a dire shortage of clean water and sanitation.

AFGHANISTAN: Women Should Have Equal Role in Elections: Unama

The United Nation's office in Afghanistan on Thursday highlighted the importance of women's active participation in the upcoming presidential election and peace talks in Afghanistan.

PAKISTAN: PTI Elections: Ayla Strong Candidate for Women Wing's Leadership

The party elections of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are being held in Lahore today. Ayla Malik and Dr Munazza are seen as strong candidates for the post of women wing president after documents of Fauzia Kasuri got rejected due to her holding of dual nationality.

NIGERIA: Gender Equity - Youth Leader Seeks More Investment in Women, Girls

Mr Abubakar Bachaka, the Chief Whip of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, has said that investing in women and girls can help to promote gender equity in Nigeria.

Backaka made the statement in Abuja on Monday in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

PALESTINE: Women Demand Protection Under Law

Dozens of women protested Tuesday ouside Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's Ramallah office demanding the adaptation for laws that would protect them against violence and crime.

Woman's Affairs Technical Committee (WATC) member, Lubna Ashqar, told Wafa that they want a law that “can ensure dignity and justice for all the women of Palestine.”

New Hivos Partner: Syrian Women's Forum for Peace

Hivos welcomes the establishment of the Syrian Women's Forum for Peace (SWFP), which aims to strengthen the role of Syrian women in forging peace in Syria and push Syrian and international public opinion to ensure that decision-makers adopt peaceful means in building a democratic state in Syria.

KENYA: Kenya Women Fail to Win Elective Positions

Kenyan women failed to win more elective positions in the just concluded general elections, with no woman candidate winning governor and senator positions, meaning none of Kenya's 47 local governments will be led by a woman.

KENYA: Central Kenya elects highest number of women to Parliament

Some 16 women have been elected as Members of the National Assembly in this year's General Election. And the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) commended Central voters for electing more women to Parliament.

DRC: Former Irish leader Mary Robinson appointed UN envoy for Africa's Great Lakes region

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of former Irish president Mary Robinson as the new Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region of Africa.

Ms. Robinson, who served as president from 1990 to 1997, has more than four decades of political and diplomatic experience, including as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002.

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