Nicoline Nwenushi Tumasang Epse Wazeh’s Post

Gender Inequality: A Barrier in Conflict Resolution Processes Body A dialogue for peace was set to take place between the US and Afghanistan, with Japan acting as a mediator. Three months of constant discussions between the parties culminated in this meeting. While we knew silencing grievances and engaging in frank discussions were essential for a peace resolution, the gender of the US lead diplomat, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, became an unforeseen obstacle. The meeting planned in a prestigious hotel in Osaka, Japan has never been achieved. In fact, upon seeing the US flag behind a female diplomat, the Afghan delegation abruptly left without addressing either the mediator or the US. Later, at a press conference, they stated, "Women do not have a seat where men speak," believing discussions with a woman wouldn't be conducive to a peace treaty. This hypothetical scenario exemplifies how gender inequality can significantly hinder the path to a peaceful world. While a real life situation may have absolutely been different, we all agree to certain extend that people in our professional setting are still nurturing such view on women. Which ultimately takes us to restructure our respective network and societies, redefining and address these gender stereotypes from early live stages. Throughout history, under the guise of cultural, political, and economic preferences, we have nurtured gender inequality. Denying women education, economic opportunities, and political participation fosters frustration and a sense of injustice. They have been, and continue to be, victims of violence, even used as weapons during conflicts. Despite being the first victims and holding crucial solutions, women are excluded from the table. Their voices are silenced, their perspectives on security, social needs, and long-term solutions are overlooked, ultimately undermining sustainable peace. As we are aiming for an inclusive approach to conflict resolution, peace-building, achieving sustainable peace we need to: - Empower Women before Conflict: Invest in girls' education, economic opportunities, and political participation. Which will foster a more just society and reduces the risk of conflict. - Protect Women in Conflict: Uphold international law to prevent sexual violence and guarantee access to justice for survivors. - Include Women in Peace Talks: Actively involve women as negotiators and decision-makers in peace processes. - Prioritize Women in Reconstruction: Ensure women have access to resources and participate in rebuilding efforts for a more inclusive and sustainable peace. By promoting gender equality, we can break the cycle of conflict and build lasting peace. Let's break the bias and create a world where all voices are heard in building a peaceful future, LET'S GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. #forgottenconflicts #WomenEmpowerment #Peace #SDG16 #SDG5 Youth Institute for Peace and Local Governance - YIPLG United Nations UN Women UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

CSW68 Update Honourable Charmaine Scotty, Minister for Women and Social Affairs, is the Head of Delegation for the Nauru delegation attending the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York. Minister Scotty attended the UN Security Council Arria Formula Meeting on Women Peace and Security organised by Switzerland. During her intervention, she stated: "Nauru believes that the successful strategies for leveraging synergies include: 1.    Ensuring women's meaningful participation in decision-making processes related to conflict prevention, resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. 2.    Implementing gender-sensitive policies and programs that address the specific needs and rights of women in conflict-affected areas. 3.    Providing training and capacity-building opportunities for women to enhance their skills and knowledge in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. 4.    Promoting women's leadership and representation in peace negotiations, mediation efforts, and peacebuilding initiatives. 5.    Establishing mechanisms for monitoring and reporting on the implementation of gender equality commitments under CEDAW and the Women, Peace, and Security framework. 6.    Collaborating with local women's organizations, civil society groups, and grassroots movements to amplify women's voices and perspectives in peace processes; and  7.    The appointment of a Special Representative on Climate and Security who could strengthen coordination between relevant UN entities to improve the organization’s ability to address climate-related security risks." #CSW68 #Nauru

Gender Inequality: A Barrier in Conflict Resolution Processes Body A dialogue for peace was set to take place between the US and Afghanistan, with Japan acting as a mediator. Three months of constant discussions between the parties culminated in this meeting. While we knew silencing grievances and engaging in frank discussions were essential for a peace resolution, the gender of the US lead diplomat, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, became an unforeseen obstacle. The meeting planned in a prestigious hotel in Osaka, Japan has never been achieved. In fact, upon seeing the US flag behind a female diplomat, the Afghan delegation abruptly left without addressing either the mediator or the US. Later, at a press conference, they stated, "Women do not have a seat where men speak," believing discussions with a woman wouldn't be conducive to a peace treaty. This hypothetical scenario exemplifies how gender inequality can significantly hinder the path to a peaceful world. While a real life situation may have absolutely been different, we all agree to certain extend that people in our professional setting are still nurturing such view on women. Which ultimately takes us to restructure our respective network and societies, redefining and address these gender stereotypes from early live stages. Throughout history, under the guise of cultural, political, and economic preferences, we have nurtured gender inequality. Denying women education, economic opportunities, and political participation fosters frustration and a sense of injustice. They have been, and continue to be, victims of violence, even used as weapons during conflicts. Despite being the first victims and holding crucial solutions, women are excluded from the table. Their voices are silenced, their perspectives on security, social needs, and long-term solutions are overlooked, ultimately undermining sustainable peace. As we are aiming for an inclusive approach to conflict resolution, peace-building, achieving sustainable peace we need to: - Empower Women before Conflict: Invest in girls' education, economic opportunities, and political participation. Which will foster a more just society and reduces the risk of conflict. - Protect Women in Conflict: Uphold international law to prevent sexual violence and guarantee access to justice for survivors. - Include Women in Peace Talks: Actively involve women as negotiators and decision-makers in peace processes. - Prioritize Women in Reconstruction: Ensure women have access to resources and participate in rebuilding efforts for a more inclusive and sustainable peace. By promoting gender equality, we can break the cycle of conflict and build lasting peace. Let's break the bias and create a world where all voices are heard in building a peaceful future, LET'S GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. #forgottenconflicts #WomenEmpowerment #Peace #SDG16 #SDG5 Emmanuel Lanko Isidore Soro United Nations UN Women UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

Happy international women´s day! I like to highlight the importance of including women in peacebuilding processes! Sad that we have to remind ourselves in 2024 again: Without peace we cant make any progress as society as a whole, we just waste our time, this is unforgivable. UN Women: 🔔 "It is essential for long-term success to involve women in peacebuilding processes. This is proven. Gender-equal participation contributes to longer, and lasting peace after conflict. 💡 Despite strong evidence in favour of their inclusion, women remain largely invisible in and sidelined from formal peace processes and negotiations. 🚫 Between 1992 and 2018, women were only 13 per cent of negotiators, 3 per centof mediators and only 4 per cent of signatories in major peace processes. 🚺 From the frontlines of countries in conflict and those recovering from decades of violence, here are some stories of powerful women peacebuilders." Check this link: https://lnkd.in/dW-FPuVE

As we approach the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, starting on the 25th of November (International Day against GBV) and ending on the 10 of December (International Human Rights Day), American Graduate School will post recent data and information in relation to GBV and Human Rights.  We are starting with highlighting the importance and relevance of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda that just celebrated its 24th anniversary.  The WPS agenda emphasizes the significant role women play in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and the promotion of sustainable peace. By integrating gender perspectives into peace and security efforts, we can address the root causes of violence against women and ensure their protection and empowerment. WPS is taught in several classes of the AGS programme and more specifically in the class of International Relations and Identity: Gender issues. The latest report of the UN Secretary General (September 2024) on Women, Peace and Security, highlights that women’s participation in peace processes remains limited. Despite some progress, women constituted only 13% of negotiators, 6% of mediators, and 6% of signatories in major peace processes in 2023. The report underscores the ongoing issue of conflict-related sexual violence. In 2023, there were over 3,000 verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence, affecting women and girls in conflict zones. Most importantly, the report showcases progress in gender-responsive peacekeeping, including the systematic integration of gender perspectives into all stages of analysis, planning, implementation, and reporting.  For more information and data on WPS you may read the full report of the UN Secretary General (link below) or the latest Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action (WPS-HA Compact) #womenrights #wps #peace #security #gender #internationalrelations

It's International Women's Day, and people everywhere seem to be celebrating. And yet..... ·  1 in 3 women around the world experience violence (source. World Health Organization). ·  58% of all women murdered in 2017 were killed by an intimate partner or a family member (source. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2018). ·  Around 650 million women across the globe were married before the age of 18 (source. Unicef, 2018). ·  Over 200 million women and girls in 30 countries have undergone female genital mutilation (source. Unicef, 2016). · 71% of all human trafficking involves women and girls – mainly for sexual exploitation (source. UNODC, 2016). · Women and girls are more at risk of sexual violence, exploitation and trafficking during war. 1 in 5 female refugees and internally displaced people (someone who is forced to leave their home but remains in their country) have experienced sexual violence in countries affected by conflict (source. OCHA, 2016). · Women don’t have the same economic rights as men. Women spend at least twice as much time as men on domestic work, and when all work – (paid and unpaid) – is considered, women work longer hours than men (source. The World’s Women, 2015). · In 2018, the estimated global gender pay gap was 22%, with women earning around 78% of what men are paid (source. ILO, 2018). · Nearly 82 million women around the world don’t have any legal protection against discrimination in the workplace (source. World Policy Analysis Centre, 2017). · Women make up just 25% of parliamentarians worldwide (source. Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2019). · In January 2019, 1 in 5 government ministers around the world were women (source. Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2019). · Between 1990 and 2019 women made up 2% of mediators, 5% of witnesses and signatories, and 8% of negotiators in major peace processes worldwide (source. Council of Foreign Relations, 2019). · When women are involved in negotiations the probability of a peace agreement lasting at least two years is increased by 20 per cent, and 15 years by 35 per cent (source. Preventing Conflict, Transforming Justice, and Securing the Peace: A Global Study on Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325, 2015). We must do better - for ourselves, our daughters, and all women and girls world-wide.

During the recent press briefing at Malacañang for the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" Pangandaman delivered a message that resonated deeply with me. She stated, "The participation of various nations reaffirms our shared commitment to peace, equality, and the essential role of women in these efforts... This cannot be overstated: when women lead, communities thrive, conflicts are resolved and nations grow stronger." Her powerful words capture the essence of the global advocacy of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) surrounding this landmark event. It also goes beyond rhetoric, embodying the country’s real strides in integrating women into peace processes, especially in the conflict-affected Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Hearing Secretary Mina deliver this message filled me with immense pride and anticipation for the upcoming ICWPS. This groundbreaking event is not only the first ministerial-level conference in the Philippines dedicated to advancing the WPS agenda but also a crucial milestone in the country's efforts to promote gender inclusivity in peacebuilding. Set to take place at the Philippine International Convention Center from October 28-30, the ICWPS will bring together global leaders and advocates to discuss transformative solutions that could shape the future of peace and security. The event underscores the Philippines' endeavors ensuring that women are at the forefront of these critical discussions, paving the way for more inclusive, resilient peace efforts on a global scale. The main outcome of this conference is expected to be the approval of the "Manila Declaration," a key document that will reaffirm global commitments to the WPS agenda. This declaration will emphasize the importance of expanding and protecting women’s roles in peace processes, ensuring they stay at the forefront of negotiations, conflict resolution, and post-conflict recovery. Now, more than ever, we are called to continue this momentum of the Philippines as one of the leaders in WPS. By becoming advocates for the WPS agenda, we can help shape a future where peace is not just a goal, but a shared reality—one where women lead, communities thrive, and nations grow stronger. I hope all of us can carry forward the vision that Sec. Mina embodies, ensuring that peace and security are built on the foundation of inclusivity, equality, and collaboration. Join us in this vital movement, and let’s make a lasting impact in the pursuit of a more peaceful world. There is Hope! Please read my Manila Bulletin columns here: https://lnkd.in/gg2YvcGd

New Article by Me: "Women, Peace, and Security in Afghanistan" Amid the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan, women play a crucial role in peacebuilding and enhancing security. In this new article on "The Reporters," I explore the challenges Afghan women face and the importance of supporting them to ensure a more stable and secure future. 🔍 How does conflict affect women in Afghanistan? 💪 What role can women play in promoting peace? 🌍 Discover the efforts made and needed to support women in these critical times. Read here: [Link to the article](https://lnkd.in/dC6m2aKN) #WomenandPeace #WomensRights #Afghanistan #Peacebuilding #WomenAndPeace #WomenInConflict #WomenForPeace #PeaceAndSecurity #WomensRights #WomenEmpowerment #Peacebuilding #GenderEquality #WomenLeadership #ProtectWomen #WomenInPeaceProcesses #PeaceAndJustice

Did you know that the launch of the fourth Canadian National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security happend this week ? The Women, Peace, and Security portfolio is crucial in a world marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Women are key players in promoting peace, resolving conflicts, and enhancing security. Empowering and involving women in these efforts can lead to more sustainable and inclusive peacebuilding outcomes, especially in challenging VUCA environments. Let's continue to prioritize women's crucial roles in building a more peaceful and secure world. #WomenPeaceSecurity #CanadianNAPLaunch" https://lnkd.in/eRr_E5Pj

Take a few minutes to read this Press Release from the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, from the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security at the end of October. "𝘊𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯’𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘨𝘺𝘯𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 — 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘴, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘴." Read some of the overwhelming reasons why it is imperative that women are at the core of decision-making around global peace and security: 🌏 https://loom.ly/0xH8qA4 Play your part - make sure you have a strategy in your organisation for #genderparity and opportunities for all. United Nations #womenleaders #WomenForPeace #WomenEmpowerment #flamingleadership