Women's participation in peace processes: How can the international community support women's leadership in conflict resolution?

“Women's participation in peace efforts is a matter of gender equality and universal human rights – and crucial to achieving sustainable peace, economic recovery, social cohesion and political legitimacy.” – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Despite international policy developments, women are still largely excluded from official efforts to bring peace to conflict-affected societies, and their contribution to broader peacebuilding often goes unrecognised. Looking specifically at the evolving peace processes in Syria, Colombia and South Sudan, this panel discussion will provide an opportunity for participants to consider the successes in and challenges to women's participation and leadership in peace negotiations and peace building. What barriers have women faced to participation and how must we overcome these? What factors have made it possible for women to take leadership roles in peace building and peace negotiation processes? How can women's participation in all its forms been supported, and how can civil society be engaged in this process?

The panel discussion brings together women involved in peace negotiation processes and peacebuilding in Syria, Colombia and South Sudan. It is an opportunity for States, UN agencies, and civil society to discuss the ongoing barriers to women's full and effective participation, and how the international community can work together to advance UN Security Council's Women, Peace and Security agenda, particularly UNSCR 1325 and UNSCR 2122.

Participants:

• Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Australia
• Hon Maria Miller AM, Minister for Women and Equalities, United Kingdom
  
• Nawal Yazeji, Syrian Women's League
  
• Debir Valdelamar, Colombia Section of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
  
• Rita Martin, Director of EVE, Organisation for Women's Development in South Sudan
  
• Natasha Stott Despoja AM, Ambassador for Women and Girls, Australia

Participation at this event is strictly limited. To RSVP please email anita.king@dfat.gov.au.