Kristina Kosatíková: The past century has been a
transformation in women`s rights, with countries in every region expanding the
scope of women`s legal entitlements. Nevertheless, for most of the women around the
world the laws that exist on paper do not always translate into equality and
justice.
This unsatisfactory practice is not
different when it comes to dealing with peace-building, recovery and
post-conflict processes. Five United
Nations Security Council resolutions have together recognized the impact of
conflict on women, established that sexual violence in conflict is a matter of
international peace and security and have put in place concrete measures to
ensure accountability of
governments.
When, in 2000, the United Nations
Security Council passed the groundbreaking and the first one of these
resolutions - resolution 1325, it was the first time that the importance of
women`s role in peace-building was recognized. The resolution emphasized the
need for women`s equal and full participation in all efforts to maintain and
promote peace and security. It also called for attention to the special needs
of women and girls during repatriation and resettlement, rehabilitation,
reintegration and post-conflict reconstruction.
Despite this progress and
recognition, the number of women participating in peace processes remains small
and provisions within peace agreements often fail to address women`s rights
adequately. A study of 585 peace agreements made
since 1990 found that only 16 percent contain any references to women
and only 7 percent include mention of gender equality or women`s human rights.
Women`s active participation in
rebuilding the post-conflict state is crucial and starts with peace
negotiations. It is important not only as a form of reparation but it is
critical for bringing about lasting and fundamental change in the societies.
Peace agreements establish the overarching framework for the transition and
democratization process in the respective country, often defining who has the power
and how it will be exercised. Peace agreements can address issues like the
establishment of accountability mechanisms, access to land rights, return of
internally displaced people and refugees and constitutional guarantees for
women`s rights and political participation.
The reason why International Gender
Policy Network started to implement the project ‘‘Support strengthening the role of young women in building
peace and stability in the South Caucasus’’is not only because the South
Caucasus is an important part of region
where IGPN operates, but because we strongly believe that international
community has to be actively engaged in support of implementation of measures
defined in resolutions, created at global scale to serve and pursue principles
of human rights protection.
With the project we are launching,
we would like to support young women in the South Caucasus to be prepared to
take an active part in the peace negotiations in the region. Because these
negotiations open up the possibility of reframing political and civic
leadership, with women at the center. Women`s participation in the design of
all post-conflict justice mechanisms, in peace processes and in political
decision-making is essential for ensuring that the state advances women`s
rights and justice for all.
Kristina Kosatíková
IGPN Executive Director
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