Source: UN News: Saturday, June 20, 2026 00:01 AM
Women have an important and trusted role in peacekeeping, but by excluding them from the process, we are not only failing them but also hurting efforts for lasting peace. Seema Bahouse, head of the UN Women Empowerment, while addressing the Security Council meeting, has stressed on proper representation for women in decision-making on peace issues. On Wednesday, the Security Council held its annual meeting on ‘Women, Peace and Security’ with the theme: Peace is made with women: emerging from violent conflict by enhancing their participation.United Nations Secretary General The latest report shows that in 2024, an average of only 7 percent of negotiators worldwide were women, and in 9 out of 10 negotiations, women had no role at all. Nearly 25 years ago, the historic ‘proposal 1325‘, recognizing the important contribution of women in the prevention and resolution of violent conflicts. The resolution calls on warring parties to ensure the protection of women and girls, and for the full participation of women in peace processes.UN WomenMore than two decades have passed since the passage of Resolution 1325 on the women, peace and security agenda, said Seema Bauhouse, Executive Director of the Women’s Peace and Security Council. Since then, countless studies have shown that when women are safe, nations become more peaceful. “When women are excluded from public life and employment, the risk of violent conflict increases.” He said that participation of women in security and peacekeeping improves performance and accountability. On the contrary, rolling back women’s rights is an early warning sign of violent conflict and authoritarianism. UN Photo/Mona Elfateh Studies show that women’s participation in peace negotiations increases the chances of achieving a lasting peace. Other alternatives must be chosen. According to the Executive Director, when we pursue peace only with men, without women’s voices, without including women at the negotiating table, these efforts are weak and ultimately not serious. The head of UN Women noted the events in Sudan, where atrocities against women and girls have ‘put all humanity to shame’. At the same time, only men have been seen in peace talks in Ukraine, and the same trend has been seen in Lebanon, Palestine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries. Seema Bahouse stressed that “women are disappearing from peace and mediation processes.” And yet women are the largest and most trusted stakeholders in peacekeeping. “We are doing an injustice not only to them, but to everyone, by excluding them from the decision-making process at a time when we need them most.” In view of this, Executive Director Bauhaus said that women are ready, and have waited a long time for this. So, now we can choose other options and we have to do so.
