Breaking the cycle of crisis: Women leading Peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Source: UNDP
In a world of rising inequalities and immense challenges, 25 years of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, established through United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, along with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 present a significant opportunity to reflect on the progress women have made in shaping our societies. They also remind us that gender equality requires systemic change, and institutions must lead the way to renew our commitment to investing in women and girls, driving efforts toward inclusive economic growth, protecting our planet, reducing dependency, and fostering peace and stability.
Over 600 million women and girls live in proximity to armed conflict, with conflict-related sexual violence increasing by 50 per cent in 2024 alone. Despite their vital knowledge and expertise, women are often excluded from decision-making in peace and security efforts; however, sustainable peace is only attainable when women have a voice and a seat at the table.
Women at the Heart of Preventing Violent Extremism in the Gulf of Guinea
Peripheral areas and borderlands, often characterised by socio-economic marginalisation and limited welfare services, are increasingly susceptible to the spread of extremist ideologies and narratives. The Journey to Extremism: Pathways to Recruitment and Disengagement report highlights the evolving gender dimensions of violent extremism.
Across Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, women are demonstrating the transformative power of their leadership. With the surge and expansion of violent extremism and transnational crime increasingly threatening the stability of the Gulf of Guinea and Sahel regions, women are stepping forward to breaking the cycles of violence and taking the lead as custodians of peace.
Read here the full article published by UNDP on 4 April 2025.
In a world of rising inequalities and immense challenges, 25 years of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, established through United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, along with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 present a significant opportunity to reflect on the progress women have made in shaping our societies. They also remind us that gender equality requires systemic change, and institutions must lead the way to renew our commitment to investing in women and girls, driving efforts toward inclusive economic growth, protecting our planet, reducing dependency, and fostering peace and stability.
Over 600 million women and girls live in proximity to armed conflict, with conflict-related sexual violence increasing by 50 per cent in 2024 alone. Despite their vital knowledge and expertise, women are often excluded from decision-making in peace and security efforts; however, sustainable peace is only attainable when women have a voice and a seat at the table.
Women at the Heart of Preventing Violent Extremism in the Gulf of Guinea
Peripheral areas and borderlands, often characterised by socio-economic marginalisation and limited welfare services, are increasingly susceptible to the spread of extremist ideologies and narratives. The Journey to Extremism: Pathways to Recruitment and Disengagement report highlights the evolving gender dimensions of violent extremism.
Across Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, women are demonstrating the transformative power of their leadership. With the surge and expansion of violent extremism and transnational crime increasingly threatening the stability of the Gulf of Guinea and Sahel regions, women are stepping forward to breaking the cycles of violence and taking the lead as custodians of peace.
Read here the full article published by UNDP on 4 April 2025.