On 25 October, the Ambassador for Gender and Diversity, Stella Ronner-Grubačić, participated in the open debate: ‘Women’s participation in international peace and security: from theory to practice’ at the 9452nd meeting of the Security Training Council.
The Ambassador highlighted three concrete areas for further focus:
We should work resolutely towards sustained, predictable and flexible funding for women’s and women-led organizations. Funding cuts and restrictions hinder their financial independence and operational capabilities and thereby slow down the effective implementation of the WPS agenda.
Also, she said we need to act decisively to end and prevent all forms of violence, harassment, intimidation, threats and reprisals, online and offline, as well as the spread of disinformation designed to discredit and silence women politicians, human rights defenders, peacebuilders and civil society activists. That includes reprisals against women who engage with the UN, in particular with this Council.
Additionally, we should take strong measures to ensure full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women in diverse situations and conditions in political, military and security structures, as well as in peace operations and missions. This must include transforming discriminatory structures and social norms that hinder women’s participation. We should also work hard to take away barriers to participation.
The EU will apply a coordinated approach to risk mitigation and prevention of all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. The EU will ensure that responses are victim- and survivor-centered and trauma-sensitive, including by access to sexual and reproductive health care services, as well as mental health and psychological support.
