2004:09 Women's Role in Building Peace
Whereas:
- The International Council of Women (ICW) Resolution 11.04 highlights support for increased representation of women at all decision-making levels, including the strategic plan of action (A/49/587) to increase women's participation in peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction.
- United Nations Security Council Resolution #1325, adopted on October 31, 2000, recognizes women's role in peacebuilding for the first time.
- Women and children comprise the largest percentage of civilian casualties in conflicts.
- Women bring essential cultural and social perspectives needed for peaceful conflict resolution.
- Women are often excluded from decision-making and relegated to invisible support roles in international and cultural spheres.
Resolved:
- The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopts as policy the inclusion of women in peaceful conflict resolution and implementation processes.
- NCWC urges the Government of Canada to:
- Continue supporting Canada’s implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Women, Peace, and Security.
- Provide sufficient funding and facilitate consultations, including with Non-Governmental Women’s Organizations in Canada, to fully implement UN Resolution 1325 and encourage its adoption globally.
- Ensure women’s voices and representation in conflict resolution processes with a focus on:
- Preventing armed conflicts.
- Ending conflicts early.
- Assisting in humanitarian operations and reconstruction.
- Protecting women and girls from gender-based violence, including rape and sexual abuse.
- Ensuring at least 50% of participants in these processes are women.
- NCWC calls on the Government of Canada to provide regular reports to the public on the involvement of women’s groups, their representation in negotiations, official delegations, and committees aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325.