This month marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. Adopted in October 2000, this pivotal resolution established a foundational principle: women must be full, safe, equal, and meaningful participants in discussions that shape their countries’ futures, especially in peace talks. Today, as we navigate a global backlash against women’s rights and the escalation of conflicts, the tenets of Resolution 1325 have never been more crucial.
Yet, the reality is grim. We are witnessing a dangerous erosion of the principles that Resolution 1325 stands for. Women around the world continue to have to fight for their rightful place at the decision-making tables where critical discussions are held. Alarmingly, even the United Nations has, at times, excluded women from its own agenda, undermining the very resolution it endorsed.
In 2020, former UN undersecretary-general Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka hailed Resolution 1325 as “one of the crowning achievements of the global women’s movement.” However, the stark truth is that the Security Council members who unanimously adopted this resolution have consistently failed to uphold its core principles. The number of women’s rights defenders who are able to brief the Security Council has plummeted, further exacerbated by oppressive policies like the U.S. immigration crackdown, which has barred many potential speakers from safely traveling to New York to share their insights and experiences.
Over the past 25 years, Resolution 1325 has faced numerous challenges. Subsequent resolutions have sought to elaborate on what full participation means for women and how nations and multilateral bodies can ensure that their voices are heard in discussions, particularly in conflict situations. To date, over 100 countries have developed national action plans aimed at implementing Resolution 1325. This collective effort underscores a critical truth that women in conflict zones have long understood: their involvement significantly enhances the prospects for peace.
Research consistently shows that when women participate in peace negotiations, those processes are more likely to reach agreements, and those agreements are more likely to be successfully implemented. UN Women’s 20-year review of Resolution 1325 highlights that the inclusion of women at all levels is essential for the operational effectiveness and sustainability of peace processes and overall peacebuilding efforts.
If we aspire to create a peaceful world for ourselves and future generations, we must seize this anniversary as a rallying call. We need to remind policymakers everywhere of the unofficial mantra of the women’s movement advocating for the principles embedded in Resolution 1325: “No women, no peace.” This is not merely a slogan; it is a profound truth that speaks to the heart of social justice, equality, and human rights. It is time to hold our leaders accountable and ensure that women’s voices are not just heard, but actively sought, valued, and integrated into every facet of peace and security discussions. The future of our world depends on it.
This article highlights the importance of MUST BE CENTERED.
