Daily Times

UNITED NATIONS: Despite various commitments by the international community, the 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 UN Security Council has said.

This was said while calling for an increase in the equal participation, representation and full involvement of women in preventive diplomacy and all related decision-making processes.

Adopting a Presidential Statement during a formal meeting on Wednesday, the 15-nation body welcomed the adoption of regional frameworks to implement the 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 the national action plans.

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

The Council also acknowledged the positive impact that the economic empowerment of women could have on their absolute participation in political decision-making and peace and security efforts. It also called upon the Member States to provide better occupational skills training and greater funding opportunities for entrepreneurship for African women. Furthermore, the Member States were also encouraged to increase their funding on women, peace and security, with a particular focus on conflict and post-conflict situations, and to provide further support to the civil society.