Theresa Gigov’s Post

A recent United Nations report notes that in 2020, women represented 23 percent of conflict-resolution delegates in U.N.-led or co-led peace processes. That number declined to 19 percent the following year and was only 16 percent in 2022. “Another obstacle to women’s participation throughout the peace continuum is insufficient funding,” said Ambassador Millard. “The United States reiterates the need for more investment in WPS financing to advance sustainable peace.” “It is critical that women and youth peacebuilders and their organizations are sufficiently financed, and that women entrepreneurs are empowered to be the agents of change in conflict-afflicted settings.” https://lnkd.in/g7JwqsMk #peacebuilding #peacenegotiation #women #representation #conflict #inclusion #funding

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

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

Empowering Women in Peace Processes: WPHF in Action

In Southeast Asia and the Pacific, women are pivotal in peacebuilding efforts. Insights from Bougainville, Fiji, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao underscore the necessity of gender inclusion for lasting peace. We spoke with women leaders Miriam Labanue, Dr. Sittie Jehanne Mutin, Nurunnihar Bakil Mohammad, Adi Litia Nailatikau, and Bai Rohaya U. Mama, who shed light on the intersections of gender, conflict, and peacebuilding. Their experiences highlight the crucial role of women's voices in shaping policies and decisions for a peaceful future. Read more: https://buff.ly/3U1czNW

Paving the way for peace: the meaningful contribution of women peacebuilders Happy to share a new CSPPS-article to celebrate women in peacebuilding ! 🎉 “Paving the Way for Peace: the Meaningful Contribution of Women Peacebuilders” stresses the importance of a gender perspective in peacebuilding efforts.  From including #women and their needs in #peace processes to enabling them to be agents of change, CSPPS and its members are acting in line with the #WPS Agenda and the UN Security Council resolution #1325. 🔗Find the article here: https://lnkd.in/epHfgx6D #InternationalWomensDay #WPSagenda #unscr1325 #peacebuilding #womenpeacebuilders #genderequality #genderapproachpeace #womenforpeace #WomenPeaceandSecurity #peaceprocesses #csw68 Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (CSPPS) Messengers of Peace- Liberia(MOP) Alliance for Peacebuilding

Today is International Women's Day. Unfortunately, on this Women's day I do not feel compelled to celebrate. Too many women all over the world do not yet have the opportunity to enjoy their human rights as they should. Whether they are living in a society lacking rule of law - such as in Russia where women can be persecuted simply for expressing feminist views... Or trapped living under an oppressive regime such as the Taliban (whose restrictions have effectively trapped women within their homes), or the government in Iran (where women like Mahsa Amini can be beaten to death simply for removing their head covering), or Hamas (where widespread discrimination against women exists in law and practice)... Or literally held captive and enduring ongoing sexual assault by ruthless terrorists in the tunnels in Gaza. Instead of feeling celebratory, I am feeling wishful. I wish that each and every one of these women can experience the privilege of enjoying human rights to the extent we American women enjoy. So I am wishing all women around the world, a year filled with progress and peace. Betty Friedan, a founder of the feminist movement, once reflected on American society: "As we approach the millennium, I find it astonishing that I have been part of a movement that in less than forty years has transformed American society -- so much so that young women today seem to find it impossible to believe that women were once not seen as equal to men, as persons in their own right." I am admittedly one of those women - who grew up finding it impossible to believe women were once seen as less than a man. Here's to wishing each woman around the world can one day look back at the progress in their society to the point where too can reflect back in astonishment, at the transformation they witnessed over the course of a generation. #internationalwomensday #internationalwomensday2024 #societalchange #unwomen #peace #tolerance #equality

24 May: International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament ✨🌍 On this day, we highlight a powerful truth: in conflict-affected countries, military spending is typically more than twice the proportion spent on health. It's time for change. The UN Secretary-General's New Agenda for Peace proposes reducing military expenditure by 2% per year, redirecting these funds to create a global peace dividend. This would support the SDGs, peacebuilding, and a just transition to climate-friendly jobs. Imagine 575 million new jobs by 2030, transforming weapons industry roles into innovations in health and the environment. By reducing military personnel spending, we can offer civil service options as alternatives to military service. Investing in gender equality yields high returns in peace dividends. Let's advocate for global peace dividends and create more opportunities for women. Since the 1980s, May 24 has been a rallying cry for peace and disarmament. Learn more about the UN's "Securing our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament" and join us in demanding an end to violence in all forms. https://lnkd.in/g66wBb7c Check out our Analysis for findings 👉🏼 https://lnkd.in/g6sCBn7j

The U.S. Civil Society Working Group on Women, Peace and Security is a non-partisan network of over 60 civil society organizations with expertise on the impacts of conflict on women and their participation in peacebuilding. To celebrate #IWD2024, learn more about the group's efforts to advance women, peace and security: https://lnkd.in/ewG3UGf5

I was opportuned to attend a meeting on the theme " Bridging the gap: Empowering Women in Peace and Security through Technology " and this question was posed: Why include women in peace building? There were several answers but these ones caught my attention. 📍Including women in peace and security promotes inclusivity and recognizes that women are an integral part of the population affected by conflict. By involving women, their unique perspectives and experiences can contribute to more comprehensive and effective solutions. 📍In addition, women can play a significant role in fostering partnerships and diversity. By including women, there is an opportunity to bridge the gender divide and promote collaboration between men and women, each bringing their own perspectives and strengths to the peacebuilding process. 📍Moreso, women's participation in peacebuilding is important because the impact of war and conflict affects them too. 📍Furthermore, women can exert influence within their families and communities, making them effective agents of peace. They can use their unique influence to advocate for nonviolent resolutions and persuade their husbands, brothers, and sons to embrace peaceful approaches. 📍Moreover, involving women in peacebuilding is a matter of rights and equality. Women have the right to participate in all aspects of society, including decision-making processes related to peace. 📍Women are also recognized as key actors in peace advocacy. They often bring a different perspective that emphasizes dialogue, reconciliation, and nonviolent means of conflict resolution. By involving women, peacebuilding efforts can benefit from their ability to foster understanding, build bridges, and promote peaceful outcomes. Dear woman, the active involvement of women in peacebuilding efforts is crucial and should not be overlooked. It is imperative to include women in these leadership roles, recognizing the immense value they bring and the profound impact of conflict on their lives. #PeaceAdvocacy