United Nations Radio

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution calling for greater participation of women and girls in peace making efforts following conflict.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General Asha Rose Migiro said since the passage nine years ago of the UN flagship resolution 1325 on the impact of armed conflict on women and girls, only 16 countries have adopted national action plans to make the resolution a reality. The Secretary-General urged more nations to take action. He says women can play an important role in peace making especially once conflict has ended.

"A cessation of conflict should not result in the marginalization of women or girls, nor their relegation to stereotypical roles. Nor should we allow any exclusion of women in peace negotiations and mediation to become the template for what happens in implementing a peace settlement. Indeed a growing body of evidence suggests that bringing women to the peace table improves the quality of agreements reached and increases the chances of successful implementation."

The UN Chief says women are likely to put gender issues on the agenda, set different priorities and possibly bridge the political divide more effectively. He called for strengthening women's decision making and promised to do his part by appointing more women to leadership positions.

Gail Walker, United Nations Radio
Duration: 1'26"