Landmark resolution on women, peace and security turns 15

In October 2000, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1325 which stresses the important role women have in conflict resolution, peace negotiations and UN peacekeeping efforts. “1325,” as it is known, has been called a landmark as it reflected a change in the way the international community viewed concepts of peace and security. More than 100 countries met at the UN to take stock of progress in implementing its recommendations. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is Executive Director of UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Subordination of women at centre of extremist ideology

Security Council Resolution 1325 addresses the excessive impact of war on women. The subordination of women is increasingly at the centre of extremist ideology around the world, according to Radhika Coomaraswamy, author of a report which aims to make the resolution effective. Daniel Dickinson asked her what evidence she has that women are being increasingly targeted in conflict situations.

“No safety” for women of Iraq

Representatives from women’s groups in conflict areas have also weighed in on the impact of Resolution 1325 in their countries. As we heard earlier, Yanar Mohammed is co-founder of the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) which operates underground shelters there for female survivors of abuse. She said sexual enslavement and trafficking of women by the extremist group ISIL and what she described as failings on the part of the government in Baghdad to treat women equally, mean there is “no safety for women” in her country.  She told Matthew Wells why she had come to speak at UN headquarters.

Presenter: Dianne Penn

Production Assistant: Ana Carmo

Duration: 10'00″