The right to peace and security applies to both women and men. Violence and conflict threaten everyone’s security, but affect women and children in particular ways. Wars are waged on women’s and girl’s bodies. Sexual violence, rape, sexual slavery and human trafficking are increasingly used as strategic weapons in war and conflict in order to humiliate, frighten and control the local population. The lack of protection and security for women is obvious.
In order to create peace, both women’s and men’s experiences are needed. But women are seldom included when peace is negotiated – precisely because they are largely barred from the arenas in which decisions are taken. This in spite of the fact that women are often the first to negotiate with rebel groups locally. In addition, it is the women who continue the business of everyday life when conflicts strike. Women’s voices and experiences are often overlooked, something that has great consequences for everyone.
In 2000, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. The resolution directs all parties and actors to involve women at all levels in peacebuilding, peace processes and peace negotiations. Many countries have created plans of action for complying with Resolution 1325.
The responsibility for ending sexual violence in war has also been strengthened through other new United Nations resolutions (1820, 188, 189, 1960). These resolutions are also important tools for actors in civil society. In 2010, the United Nations created an internal body, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), on sexual violence in conflict.
Our work
- Contributing to the increased protection of women and girls in conflict situations, with focus on protection from sexual violence.
- Supporting women’s participation in all phases and at all levels in the peacebuilding processes we are engaged in.
- Contributing with medical and psychosocial support to survivors of gender-based violence, in addition to helping women cope with life after abuse and violence.
- Advocating for commitment from authorities, faith-based organisations and local societies to adhere to the principles in United Nations Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions.
Examples of projects
- In Afghanistan, Burundi, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq and Albania, we support women and girls who have survived abuse and violence through crisis centres, medical and psychosocial assistance, legal counselling, training and economic support.
- In Sudan, Burma, India and the Middle East, women have received training and taken part in different efforts in peacebuilding and created networks in order to promote United Nations Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
- We mobilise faith-based organisations and engage in advocacy toward religious leaders in order to promote the increased participation of women at all levels in peacebuilding and peace processes.