25 Years of Progress: Women's Inclusion in Peace Processes Under the Women, Peace and Security Agenda

Strategic Insights -

As the international community celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS) outlined in Security Council resolution 1325, women's inclusion in conflict resolution has become a priority. This shift in approach has led to record-setting numbers of women in parliament, with the Americas region having the highest average of women in parliament globally. However, despite these advancements, challenges persist, including rising levels of sexual violence and digital harassment against women leaders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Women, Peace and Security Agenda has led to a significant increase in women's participation in peace processes, with 25 years of progress marked by record-setting numbers of women in parliament.
  • The Americas region had the highest average of women in parliament globally, with Caribbean countries averaging 41 per cent, South America at 31.9 per cent, and Central America at 30.8 per cent.
  • Countries like Mexico, Chile, and Colombia have adopted foreign policies aimed at promoting gender equality in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and development, indicating progress in the region.
  • Women like Otilia Lux de Cotí, an Indigenous leader and the only Maya K'iche' female minister to be included in Guatemala's government in 2000, play pivotal roles in defending democracy and advancing women's rights.
  • Indigenous Peoples, making up over 467 million of the global population, continue to face exclusion in political processes and are often denied the right to live in accordance with their cultural values.
  • Despite hopeful development, gender-based violence in the region remains "alarmingly" high, with at least 11 women murdered every day in Latin America, and rising levels of digital harassment against women leaders.

Statistics:

  • Over 700 million women lived within 50km of deadly conflict last year, according to the UN Secretary-General's report on Women, Peace and Security.
  • Sexual violence increased by 87 per cent over the past two years, while nine out of 10 peace processes excluded women negotiators.
  • The Americas region had an average of 35.4 per cent of women in parliament, with the highest number of women in parliament from Caribbean countries (41 per cent).
  • At least 11 women are murdered every day in Latin America, and digital harassment against women leaders is on the rise.
  • The global population of Indigenous Peoples makes up over 467 million people who face exclusion in political processes and are often denied the right to live in accordance with their cultural values.

Sources:

  • United Nations: "Women, Peace and Security" (n/a)
  • UN News: "25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 marks progress, but 'alarmingly' high levels of violence against women persist" (n/a)
  • UN Secretary-General's report on Women, Peace and Security (n/a)
  • Otilia Lux de Cotí: Interview with UN News (n/a)