Sthey suffer more than others economic crisesthey impact them more the effects of the climate and, again, they always are more at risk in conflicts And underrepresented in peace processes. Women are not worse off in general is, in summary, what emerges from a United Nations reportwhich will be presented to the Security Council dedicated to the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda.
Women are increasingly at risk in war
The political events that have marked the international situation in the last decade have made it clear that the respect for the human rights of men and women must be the subject of particular protection.
Especially in those realities that experience war situations. In fact, in areas affected by conflicts, these are systematically ignored with consequences that they especially affect the conditions of the weakest groups of the civilian population of which women are, unfortunately, still part.
Women suffer economic crises more than others, they are affected more by the effects of the climate and, furthermore, they are increasingly at risk in conflicts (Getty)
Rape as a war tactic
More specifically, it should be underlined that, throughout history, conflicting parties have often subjected the female component of the population to systematic violence, primarily rape, used as a war tactic or as an instrument of terror against populations. «These negative trends are hindering both gender equality and global peace. – said Sarah Hendriks, acting deputy executive director of UN Women – However, this dire picture is not inevitable. We can reverse the trend by investing in women’s organizations in crisis contexts.” According to Hendriks, in fact, it is possible «increase the meaningful participation of women in mediation and peace processes and promote equality in political and electoral processes.”
The less global security, the more women are at risk
Countries that endanger women’s lives are known: in AfghanistanFor example, the Taliban have been systematically suppressing the rights of women and girls since their return. In Sudan and in Darfur, with the outbreak of new fighting at the beginning of the year, widespread sexual violence has returned. But it’s not just this. The report highlights, in fact, the decline in several countries of women’s participation in decision-making processes relating to peace and security.
More women to follow peace processes
One of the key recommendations of the report is that at least a third of all participants in mediation and peace processes are women, given that reality shows that it is they who remain marginalized from the main negotiations. Indeed, although they have participated in 80% of peace processes led or co-led by the United Nations, their actual number has remained low, amounting to only around 16% of the total participants.
The United Nations recommendations
The report recommends several actions to reverse the trend: first, invest in new financing commitments for women’s organizations in crisis contexts over the next three years. Then set ambitious goals for women’s direct participation in delegations and negotiating groups, appointing them as key mediators in peace processes. Still reduce military spending and finally, ensure that human rights defenders can work safely in their home countries or relocate if necessary.
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