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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LIBERIA: Women Push for Greater Political Representation as ECOWAS Parliament Convenes in Monrovia

Liberian lawmakers were on Tuesday, July 6, urged to let ECOWAS parliamentary deliberations, taking place in Liberia, help them support a bill before them seeking greater political representation for women. The National Legislature is considering a bill which would call for 30 percent women participation in political representation.

PACIFIC: Women Fare Worst in Asia, Pacific

While Asia and the Pacific can take pride in the region's vibrant economic transformation in recent decades, this has not translated into progress on gender equality.

CANADA: Canada's Most Wanted: Women -- The Pitfalls of Gender Imbalance Among Peacekeepers

Scandal buffs may recall that when a UN peacekeeping mission got under way in Cambodia in the early 1990s, the number of brothels suddenly spiked. The new patrons, it turned out, were male troops. Rather than condemn their actions, the head of the mission uncouthly replied: “Boys will be boys.”

PHILIPPINES: Women's Group Calls for Reversal of Arroyo's Oppressive, Exploitative Policies

For the women's sector, nine years of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo means nine years of devastation, corruption, scandals and political repression and killings. Women's group Gabriela challenged President Benigno Aquino III to reverse it and waste no time in taking concrete measures.

AUSTRALIA: A Quota Will Level the Playing Field for Liberal Women

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's ascendency deserves recognition for the historic moment that it is. Yet this new chapter for Australian women doesn't reflect the rest of their story in politics. Federally, concern is no longer about a lack of progression, but arresting a slide to regression.

USA: Female Officers Still Vast Minority in Ranks

Idaho Falls Police Officer Jessica Hunt knows women are the minority in law enforcement.

But, just in case she needed a reminder, the point is driven home to her when a community member unknowingly accuses her of driving her husband's patrol car around town when she's off duty.

LIBERIA: Ellen Pursues 30 % Women Participation in Politics

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed the hope that the ongoing ECOWAS Delocalized Parliament Meeting in Monrovia will give courage to the Liberian National Legislature to give serious consideration to the bill seeking 30 percent women participation in political representation.

KYRGYZSTAN: Otunbayeva Sworn in as Kyrgyz Leader in Historic First

Interim leader Rosa Otunbayeva has been sworn in as president of the troubled republic of Kyrgyzstan. Mrs Otunbayeva took power after bloody street riots in April which ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. The former foreign minister becomes the first female president of an ex-communist Central Asian country.

SIERRA LEONE: Bo District Elects New Female Chief

50-year-old Mama Yeanoh Kakpa was last week elected as the first female town chief of Mandu in the Valunia chiefdom, Bo district, southern Sierra Leone.

USA: Feminist Majority Endorses Kagan

The Feminist Majority endorsed Elena Kagan today. In a press release, the Feminist Majority strongly encouraged the United States Senate to quickly confirm Elena Kagan. It further reads, "Solicitor General Kagan is superbly qualified for this position. She has distinguished herself throughout her academic and professional career and has the keen intellect, the compassion, and the broad experience needed to be an outstanding justice.

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