Women, peace and diplomacy: Joining efforts for the first time in the UN

• Published date: 26 September 2021
• Author: David Fernandez Puyana
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The wide support received for this initiative by more than 50 states and intergovernmental organizations, such as the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office and International Development Law Organization, underlines the empirical evidence of women's contribution in peace and security.

The statement reaffirms women's fundamental role in the peace process and conflict prevention, and calls upon states to strongly commit to ensure the advancement of women in preventive diplomacy and peace building.

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It also calls upon member states to ensure that women have a seat at every table, that they are heard and that they can contribute to finding solutions and preventing conflict. Parties are committed to taking into account the experiences of women and girls, both living in conflict zones but also in peace and stability, and to always include a gender perspective, recognizing the unique impact different situations may have on women and girls.

As indicated by the United Nations Guidance for Effective mediation, "an inclusive process is more likely to identify and address the root causes of conflict and ensure that the needs of the affected sectors of the population are addressed. Inclusivity also increases the legitimacy and national ownership of the peace agreement and its implementation."

In order to build on a comprehensive mapping of all conflict parties and stakeholders, mediators should "ensure systematic and structured consultation with women's groups early in the process to allow for meaningful participation, with specific efforts to include them in the mediation process."

The commonality between Bahrain, Israel, Morocco, the UAE and UPEACE to bring this initiative to the UN is their strong commitment to the empowerment of women and gender equality in the multilateral system. This JOS should pave the way for a future joint common action with the purpose of highlighting the integration of women in the peace processes and in all discussions relevant to promote peace around the globe.

The JOS is the first initiative led by this group of countries within the multilateral system and it happened in the UN in Geneva, the City of Peace and Human Rights.

This historical UN landmark was possible thanks to the engagement, hard work and excellent cooperation among all members of this core group, such as ambassadors and their teams of...