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Post-conflict and Transitional Participation

According to the Ploughshares, in 2005, armed conflicts raged in 27 countries. In five of them, casualties exceeded 100,000 people, and the indirect costs in human capital, infrastructure and effect on future development are beyond estimation. The transition period begins when wars end through negotiated settlements or other means. With international and regional assistance, parties seek ways to deter the cycle of conflict by establishing a stable government to protect and provide for its citizens.

Formally and informally, women around the world are contributing to post-conflict reconstruction in the areas of security, justice and reconciliation, governance and socio-economic development. In 2000, the United Nations (UN) Security Council passed resolution 1325, a landmark decision mandating the participation of women in peace processes. Since the adoption of the resolution, awareness of the importance of including women in peace and reconstruction processes has grown enormously. Yet, implementation of the resolution’s mandate remains sporadic and ad hoc, and the gaps in practice are vast. Nonetheless, women’s participation in post-conflict reconstruction processes continues to increase.

In Sri Lanka, pressure by women’s organizations led to the establishment — within the structure of the formal negotiations — of a ten-member Subcommittee on Gender Issues in 2002. In Northern Ireland, women representatives were trusted as mediators during conflict negotiations, with such trust stemming from the women’s platform of respect for human rights, inclusion and equality. In Haiti, the women’s ministry and women’s organizations participated in a consultative process, resulting in the UN mission incorporating women’s priorities into its mandate and establishing the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Programme. In Rwanda, women formed the first cross-party parliamentary caucus composed of both Hutus and Tutsis, addressing issues of concern to women from all political parties. In Sierra Leone, a women’s task force was established to foster women’s participation in the design of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the special unit investigating war crimes. According to the World Bank, in Afghanistan, efforts by the international community and local women’s organizations have led to girls accounting for 40 percent of all children attending school in 2003, compared to only 9 percent before the war.

While significant and encouraging, such examples and best practices do not equate with the systematic inclusion of women in peace processes. It remains critical to amplify the role and contribution of women during political transitions to capitalize on this window of opportunity.

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iKNOW E-Discussion on Eliminating Violence Against Women in Politics

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iKNOW E-Discussion on Eliminating Violence Against Women in Politics

The International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics is pleased to invite you to join its first moderated E-Discussion on Eliminating Violence Against Women in Politics, to take place from 10-1

Democracy and United Nations Peace-Building at the Local Level: Lessons Learned

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December 1, 2007

Democracy and United Nations Peace-Building at the Local Level: Lessons Learned

This report explores the linkages between local democracy and peace-building in determined contexts. It highlights some conclusions on the issue within United Nations peace-building efforts.

This report explores the linkages between local democracy and peace-building in determined contexts. It highlights some conclusions on the issue within United Nations peace-building efforts.

Constitution Building Processes and Democratization

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December 1, 2007

Constitution Building Processes and Democratization

This study focuses on the activity of revising constitutions which reflects a changed perception of their importance and purposes. Changes start with constitution-making, whether as a form of negotiation or the consolidation of social victory or reform.

This study focuses on the activity of revising constitutions which reflects a changed perception of their importance and purposes. Changes start with constitution-making, whether as a form of negotiation or the consolidation of social victory or reform.

Building a New Iraq: Ensuring Women’s Rights

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November 23, 2007

Building a New Iraq: Ensuring Women’s Rights

This report discusses women’s political participation in Iraq, including their role in building sustainable peace in the country and drafting the new constitution. It also include biographies of some Iraqi women leaders and list of publications related to the new role of women in Iraq.

This report discusses women’s political participation in Iraq, including their role in building sustainable peace in the country and drafting the new constitution. It also include biographies of some Iraqi women leaders and list of publications related to the new role of women in Iraq.

Winning the Peace: Women’s Role in Post-Conflict Iraq

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November 20, 2007

Winning the Peace: Women’s Role in Post-Conflict Iraq

This report includes findings and recommendations discussed at the Winning the Peace: Women’s Role in Post-Conflict Iraq conference. It describes women’s roles in rebuilding post-conflict Iraq and their participation in governance, legislature, and civil society.

This report includes findings and recommendations discussed at the Winning the Peace: Women’s Role in Post-Conflict Iraq conference. It describes women’s roles in rebuilding post-conflict Iraq and their participation in governance, legislature, and civil society.

Women as Catalysts for Peace and Stability

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November 16, 2007

Women as Catalysts for Peace and Stability

This opinion piece discusses why women are still far from being treated equally, despite the numerous efforts at the national, regional and international levels. This piece was presented at the World Women Laeders Forum under the theme of Defining Leadership and Success.

This opinion piece discusses why women are still far from being treated equally, despite the numerous efforts at the national, regional and international levels. This piece was presented at the World Women Laeders Forum under the theme of Defining Leadership and Success.

Democracy & Political Participation in the Context of UNR 1325

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November 16, 2007

Democracy & Political Participation in the Context of UNR 1325

This opinion piece describes UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and the role of women in conflict zones. It also discusses challenges faced by women running for elections in post-conflict countries.

This opinion piece describes UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and the role of women in conflict zones. It also discusses challenges faced by women running for elections in post-conflict countries.

UNIFEM Afganistan Fact Sheet 2007

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November 7, 2007

UNIFEM Afganistan Fact Sheet 2007

This factsheet presents key statistics on women’s representation in politics, labor force, health care, and education system in Afghanistan. It also describes issues around marriage and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Afghanistan.

This factsheet presents key statistics on women’s representation in politics, labor force, health care, and education system in Afghanistan. It also describes issues around marriage and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Afghanistan.

Putting Gender Back on the Policy Agenda: Gender Equality and Political Participation in the Russian Federation

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October 11, 2007

Putting Gender Back on the Policy Agenda: Gender Equality and Political Participation in the Russian Federation

This article discusses the implications of unequal political representation and participation of women and men in the Russian Federation. It also describes the importance of including gender issues in the Russian policy agenda for achieving true democracy and building gender-equitable society.

This article discusses the implications of unequal political representation and participation of women and men in the Russian Federation. It also describes the importance of including gender issues in the Russian policy agenda for achieving true democracy and building gender-equitable society.