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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INTERNATIONAL/GUATEMALA: When Women Lead

Would the world be more peaceful if women were in charge? A challenging new book by the Harvard University psychologist Steven Pinker says that the answer is yes.

SOMALILAND: Africa Somaliland hosts G40 women's conference

The First Lady of Somaliland Amina Sheikh Mohamed Waris inaugurated an international conference on the theme of “Women's Leadership for Peace and Security in the Greater Horn of Africa” on Friday in Hargeisa.

SOMALILAND: Women Confer on Horn Peace and Role of Security

The 40 women conference participants dubbed G40 will in the five days of their discussions come up with an action plan that strategizes on enhancing the status and role of women in the Horn of African region.

LIBYA: From 0 to 40: LWPP Advocacy Effort Secures Major Representation for Women in New Libyan Assembly

The Libyan Women's Platform for Peace (LWPP) welcomes the passage of a new electoral law, which guarantees women at least 40 seats on the 200-member Constituent Assembly that will draft the country's new constitution.

SIERRA LEONE: Sierra Leone Drafts a Development Plan for the Next 50 Years

Fifty years ago when Sierra Leone gained independence after 150 years of colonial rule, with it came a feeling of optimism that along with a newfound control of its governance, the country would profit from its ample endowment of natural resources, like timber, fish, minerals and oil.

RWANDA/LIBERIA: Women's Transformations during Conflict: the New Political Face

While women are not new to politics, women's presence and faces in politics have become increasingly more commonplace. Furthermore, women's entrance to politics is not just during times of peace, but also in times of unrest. During a change, conflict, transition or political shift more women are found entering politics, albeit through a series of factors and different representational capacities.

GEORGIA: Jioeva Prepares Inauguration, Asks Candidates to Withdraw

A South Ossetian opposition leader calls for the other candidates to not take part in a rescheduled election March 25, calling it illegal, and instead recognize her as the legitimate head of government.

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