Time for Women to Call the Shots
This article was originally published by Global Post.
Ten years ago, the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security.
In short, “1325” (as the international law is known among advocates) seeks to elevate the decision-making of women in war zones and protect women during armed conflict.
This month, as the U.N. recognizes the anniversary of that historic action, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has seized the opportunity to enable women around the world to promote peace where more traditional players (often the combatants themselves) have failed. She did so by announcing specific commitments to women, peace and security, and funding to the tune of $44 million.
Unfortunately, examples of the U.N. member states promoting strong advocates for women are few and far between, and weak attention has prevented much progress towards protection. For a decade, I’ve watched tame efforts to drive 1325’s implementation. Meanwhile, as the world recoils from reports of brutal rape accompanied by genital mutilation as a weapon of war, few recognize the connection between those atrocities and insufficient women’s involvement in government, police, and the armed services.
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