UNITED NATIONS, October 7, 2025 – As we stand on the precipice of the twenty-fifth anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, we are reminded that true and lasting peace cannot exist without women’s voices being heard. This resolution emerged from a global understanding that when women are included in peace processes, the resulting agreements are not only more robust but also more enduring. Yet, 25 years later, we must confront the uncomfortable reality: our progress has been marred by inconsistent implementation and a troubling lack of investment in women’s roles in peacebuilding.
Currently, a staggering 676 million women and girls find themselves in proximity to violent conflict—an alarming statistic that highlights the urgent need for action. As military spending rises and anti-gender equality sentiment gains traction worldwide, we are witnessing a direct threat to global security and the foundational principles of justice and equality. Commemorating this anniversary will mean nothing if we do not seize the moment to recommit ourselves to the cause of gender equality and peace.
A consensus exists among both men and women across the globe that supports the principles outlined in Resolution 1325. For instance, in Afghanistan, a remarkable 92% of the population agrees that girls should have access to secondary education. Despite the oppressive regime of the Taliban, Afghan women maintain a glimmer of hope for a future where their aspirations are fulfilled—a hope that serves as a potent political statement against oppressive forces.
As we discuss the challenges faced by women and girls in conflict zones, we cannot ignore the ongoing violence in the Middle East. The devastation of the Gaza conflict reminds us that women and children are often the most vulnerable in wartime, yet they are also the custodians of resilience and peace. The recent calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian access signify a crucial opportunity for justice and security for all involved, particularly women and girls who have borne the brunt of this turmoil.
The trends outlined in the Secretary-General’s report should raise alarm bells. The normalization of misogyny in our political discourse is a dangerous trend that, if left unchecked, threatens to derail the progress we have made toward gender equality. We must unequivocally reject the notion that the future is governed by those who oppose equality; instead, we must reclaim the narrative and the future for ourselves.
The reality is grim: as conflicts rage on, displacement and suffering will likely rise. We must brace ourselves for potential worsening conditions for women and girls as short-sighted funding cuts continue to undermine educational opportunities, medical care for survivors of sexual violence, and access to essential services in conflict zones. These cuts not only jeopardize immediate well-being but also diminish the prospects for sustainable peace.
Yet, amid these horrors, women around the world are actively building peace. In Abyei and the Central African Republic, women are working to reduce community violence. In Yemen, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they are mobilizing for peace. Haitian women have achieved near parity in their electoral council, and women in Chad have doubled their representation in the National Assembly. In Syria, a new interim constitution mandates protections for women—an essential step toward ensuring their rights.
Women’s leadership is not merely a complement to peacebuilding; it is essential. The Secretary-General’s recent remarks underscore the urgent need for investment in women-led organizations on the frontlines of conflict. The focus on transnational security must not overshadow the imperative to bolster local capacities and social movements that are vital to enacting real change.
As we look forward to the next 25 years, we must ensure that funding is specifically earmarked for women’s initiatives, robust quotas for representation are implemented, and accountability measures hold us to our commitments. The full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 across all contexts is a moral obligation that we must not overlook.
I propose five essential calls to action that demand our immediate attention:
First, we must implement affirmative action to ensure women’s rightful place at the peace table and provide unwavering support for their roles as peacekeepers, builders, and human rights defenders.
Second, we should measure the effectiveness of our efforts by the number of women participating in peace processes and the justice and reparations they receive.
Third, we must unequivocally end violence against women and girls, addressing emerging forms of gender-based violence that arise with advancements in technology.
Fourth, we cannot allow impunity for the atrocities committed against women and girls to persist; we must uphold international law and prioritize peace.
Fifth, we need to embed the women, peace, and security agenda within the hearts and minds of young people—both boys and girls—who will ultimately shape the future of our societies.
The coming years must see a renewed commitment to fully implement Security Council Resolution 1325. Women’s leadership is not just a key to peace; it is a moral imperative. We made a promise to women 25 years ago, and it is long past time to fulfill that promise.
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