‘To Make Change We Must Empower Women — Only Then Can We Claim Real Progress,’

Says Secretary-General, in Message to Brussels Conference

 

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the Conference on Ensuring Women’s Participation in Peace and Security, delivered by Rachel Mayanja, Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women, in Brussels, 9 September:

I thank the European Union and the Government of Belgium for organizing this conference.  In less than one month we will observe the tenth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 — a landmark text that recognizes the vital role of women in making and consolidating peace. 

Resolution 1325 has raised awareness of the unique and grave issues that women and girls face during and after conflict, and increased international commitment to address them.  Nonetheless, we must lament our lack of progress.  Women and girls continue to endure discrimination and gender-based violence — including systematic sexual assaults — in the context of armed conflict.  Furthermore, impunity persists for the perpetrators of war crimes.  As recent events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo so brutally show, the international community is still failing to protect the most vulnerable.

Ultimately, women will never receive the protection and respect that is their right until they are empowered.  The establishment this year of UN Women will enable us to better assist Member States to empower women and accelerate progress towards true gender equality. 

From reconciliation to economic recovery, from social cohesion to political progress, women are indispensable partners.  When women are excluded from such partnerships due to inaction or fragmented efforts, we should be alarmed.  My forthcoming report on Women’s Participation in Peacebuilding sets out a seven-point agenda for reinvigorating the implementation of this crucial aspect of resolution 1325.

As we reflect on improving implementation of resolution 1325, I encourage you to consider how best to monitor progress, assess the impact of our efforts and share valuable lessons.  Participation alone is not sufficient.  Women must not just sit at the peace table, they must be heard.  Not only should women serve in police forces and peacekeeping missions, they must influence decision-making.  To make change, we must empower women.  Only then can we claim real progress.

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For information media • not an official record