The United Kingdom has called for immediate and coordinated action as women and girls’ rights are under attack adding that participation of women significantly boosts the chances of long-lasting peace in conflict.
UK Ambassador, Barbara Woodward who made the call at the UN Security Council meeting on Women and peace and security on Wednesday, said the UK’s new National Action Plan focuses on putting women’s meaningful participation into action
On the theme of the meeting “bringing theory to practice,” the Ambassador highlighted three areas which includes Participation as UK’s new National Action Plan focuses on putting women’s meaningful participation into action.
She recalled recently, the Foreign Secretary met with Sudanese women peacebuilders to hear their insights into enhancing women’s participation.
“The UK was also proud to support Colombia in developing its WPS National Action Plan, and we applaud its extensive consultation with women and civil society.
“We will continue to advocate for women to take on leading roles in resolving conflict, including in UN-led peace processes.
“As a member of the WPS Shared Commitments, we are committed to amplifying women’s voices and following up on recommendations of civil society.
“We hear clear calls-to-action from the women who brief this Council – women from Afghanistan, from Ukraine, the DRC, Syria, and beyond – and we should turn those calls into action”, she said.
Secondly, empowerment, the UK Ambassador said women’s rights organisations are vital to sustaining conflict prevention and resolution efforts.
“As part of our International Women and Girls Strategy, we launched a $46 million programme to support grassroots women’s rights organisations around the world.
“Through our Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, we are putting survivors at the centre of decision-making and promoting their leadership, supported by a dedicated Survivor Advisory Group”.
Adding that in Ukraine, the UK Goverment is providing expertise on conflict-related sexual violence and providing over $4 million of funding on gender-based violence in Ukraine and across the region.
While Put Protection as the third, Barbara said women and girls are disproportionately impacted by conflict. “From South Sudan to Israel and Gaza, we see the impact of conflict on women’s lives.
“And this is particularly true for women’s rights defenders. The Secretary-General’s report highlights that 172 women human rights defenders were subjected to reprisals because they engaged with the United Nations.
“President, we’ve heard today clear and specific recommendations from the Secretary-General, and from the Executive Director of UN Women and from many others. Let’s commit to moving from words to action”, she said.
