Women Belong At The Table: Women, Peace & Security Agenda

Today, 31st October marks 22 years since the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted the Security Council Resolution 1325 (SCR1325), on 31 October 2000. The policy addresses the unequal and unique impact of armed conflict on women; recognizing the under-valued and under-utilized contributions women make to conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and peace-building. Further, the resolution points out the opportunities and positive impacts of women’s equal and full participation as active agents in fostering peace and security.

The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda has a transformative potential because it brings women to sit at the table of discussion and ensure their own Peace and Security. It is a powerful tool for dismantling exclusive and retrogressive decision-making and encouraging democratic methods of deciding and acting: the surest way to decline gender inequality, conflict, and violence toward women.

According to Peacewomen.org, “Women’s agency, voice and capacities, as well as a real gender perspective are critical to local dialogues, better policies, and more equitable peace deals.”

As we continue to amplify our voices for gender equality and inclusion we demand that our Government visit the 1325 Resolution Security Council Resolution and reduce military spending to increase funding for gender equality and global Humanitarian response. Investing in women’s participation and rights for peace has proven to be very critical to preventing violence and conflict and promoting peace in Columbia, Yemen, Libya, and Nigeria.

Leveraging the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, we understand that without peace there will be no justice and Security, and there will be no education and proper health services. Therefore, protection, prevention and participation of women in peace and security actions is not just their right but a need.

As the key provisions of the 1325 SCR indicate, using poetic voice and youth agency, here is our request to the Government of the Republic of Zambia and all other governments across the globe to #ChoosePeace and #Budget4Women: