Conflict prevention efforts more effective and sustainable when women participate – Security Council

Despite commitments of the international community, inconsistent levels of political will, resourcing, accountability and gender expertise often hinder the full and meaningful inclusion of women in efforts to prevent conflict, the Security Council said today.

Adopting a Presidential Statement during a formal meeting this morning, the 15-nation body welcomed the adoption of regional frameworks to implement resolution 1325 (2000) on ‘women, peace and security,’ including the African Union’s Gender, Peace and Security Programme 2015-2020. It also welcomed the efforts of Member States in developing national action plans.

The Council also emphasized the importance of undertaking a comprehensive approach, and reaffirmed the substantial link between women’s meaningful involvement in efforts to prevent, resolve and rebuild from conflict and the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of those efforts.

It also reiterated its call to increase the equal participation, representation and full involvement of women in preventive diplomacy and all related decision-making processes.

By the text, the Council acknowledged the positive impact that the economic empowerment of women could have on their full participation in political decision-making and peace and security efforts, and called upon Member States to provide better occupational skills training and greater funding for entrepreneurships for African women.

It encouraged Member States to increase their funding on women, peace and security, particularly for conflict and post-conflict situations, and to provide further support to civil society.