UNSC open debate in connection with “Women’s participation in international peace and security

CAROLYN OPPONG-NTIRI

Carolyn Oppong-Ntiri (Mrs)
Deputy Permanent Representative
October 25, 2023

 

UNSC OPEN DEBATE ON WOMEN, PEACE & SECURITY: WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY. FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

 

Mr. President
The Security Council is once again convening around the all-important subject of women peace and security. Women’s voices are now being heard in peace and security discourses, thanks to the adoption of the landmark resolution 1325 in October 2000.

We thank the Secretary General Antonio Guterres for his remarks and the briefers for the insightful presentations.

 

Mr President,
In March, during the presidency of our brotherly country, Mozambique, this Council was given the opportunity to reaffirm the importance of resolution 1325, take stock of its implementation and set goals in preparation for its 25th year, in 2025. Today, it is evident that although we have made some strides towards the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, we still have many more miles to travel.

 

We welcome the contributions of women from the grassroots to the peace and security agenda. In this Council, we continue to hear the inspiring and enlightening briefings of courageous women, whose brave struggle for women’s rights have brought significant changes to their communities, sometimes at tremendous personal costs. This is evident that women’s voices and perspectives are indispensable in peace efforts and should therefore be encouraged and protected.

 

Ghana is a firm advocate of women’s participation at all levels of national, regional and international decision making. We believe that women’s equal participation and leadership in political and public life are essential to achieving the SDGs. For this reason, the number of women in Ghana’s leadership has increased considerably over time and we remain committed to ensuring further growth in this area.

Mr. President,
Against this background, Ghana would like to highlight the following three (3) points regarding how we can translate the full, equal and meaningful participation of women from theory into practice:

 

First of all, the Security Council should reinforce its support for platforms such as the Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action Compact, which rallies together UN member states, regional organisations, civil society groups and the private sector to foster women’s economic security and leadership. Such partnerships should be harnessed by the Council and the UN at large as a means of enhancing public and private sector participation in financing peace and post conflict recovery. The private sector has the capacity to play a bigger and useful role in peacebuilding by offering logistical support, financial assistance, discounts and pro bono support to women peacebuilders as part of their Corporate Social Responsibilities.

 

Secondly, this Council must create a safe environment for women involved in peace and security including mediators, community advocates, journalists and peacekeepers to carry out their work, through digital and offline platforms. Women civil society representatives and peacebuilders who brief the Council deserve special attention. They, as well as their families should be accorded the utmost protection by the UN. In this regard, we reiterate previous calls to the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in coordination with other UN entities, to establish a framework for the protection of women who cooperate with the UN.

 

Finally, effective bilateral cooperation, as well as collaboration across regional organisations on the WPS agenda is crucial for accelerating the economic empowerment of women in peace and security and women’s empowerment initiatives. We therefore encourage such partnerships.

 

Mr. President
To conclude, I wish to reiterate Ghana’s commitment to ensuring the inclusion of women in our governance and peace initiatives at all levels. We will continue to protect their rights and strengthen their voices in support of efforts to spur sustainable development.

I thank you! Muito obrigado!