15 years young – still going strong!

The 31st of October is by many associated with Halloween, but the date has so much more to offer! Today it’s 15 years since the Security Council (UN), adopted resolution (S/RES/1325) on women and peace and security. «The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security» (un.org).

War was earlier a thing for, with and against men, with women on the side line. These days we see how bought women and men are a part of conflicts, not only as soldiers, but also as civilian targets. As Lady Eowyn puts it: «The women of this country learned long ago, those without swardes can still die upon them» (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien). I see and hear about how women are being used in wars. In some countries women are being raped as a part of the warfare. They have no way of defending them selves towards these horrendous crimes. IT HAS TO STOP! BUT HOW?

Lady Eowyn wants to take and active role in protecting her self and others. What she fears the most is not death or pain, but being in a cage: «To live behind bars until all chances of valor and bravery have fallen beyond possibility and want» (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien). Bought in war and in peace processes men have the leading role. I’m not saying that the goal is to get as many women as possible to become soldiers. What I want is for women to take part in the process of preventing war, or the peace-building, peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction. Women should not have to stay behind «bars» until these processes are over. Women and men have to come together and make a united effort prevent war and facilitate a just Peace.

This is where the resolution 1325 comes in. «Resolution 1325 urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts. It also calls on all parties to conflict to take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, in situations of armed conflict. The resolution provides a number of important operational mandates, with implications for Member States and the entities of the United Nations system» (un.org).

Let us rejoice in the fact that the UN adopted 1325. But we still have a long way to go! We have to make sure that the resolution is reflected in action in all countries all over the world.