2022-11 A Humanitarian Crisis: The Impact on Women, Peace and Security, and Humanitarian Action in Ukraine
Whereas:
- Women face threats to life, mass evacuations, psychological distress, and displacement due to war.
- Women exhibit leadership in civil and military roles during the war, necessitating their self-organization and collaboration with local authorities.
- Women are critical in family and community decision-making and humanitarian efforts, taking on responsibilities like providing care, food, and medication.
- Formal decision-making structures dominated by military roles reduce women’s influence in political and administrative processes.
- Women's voices in development, gender equality, and humanitarian actions are often overlooked, hindering their meaningful participation.
Resolved #1:
The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopts global standards on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) from the UNSC resolutions (1325, 1889, 2122, 2493) and the Compact Five Issues. These standards ensure women’s protection, participation, and rights during conflicts and reconstruction and are deemed immediately applicable to Ukraine.
Resolved #2:
The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to:
a. Implement WPS commitments as per international resolutions and the Gender Equality Forum, ensuring Ukraine’s inclusion in these efforts.
b. Support local women’s NGOs for self-organization and overcoming war challenges.
c. Promote financial aid for post-war women-led initiatives to foster opportunities in decision-making aligned with Canada’s WPS commitments.