Need for women to be included in conflict prevention and resolution processes stressed at OSCE-supported workshop in Ukraine

KYIV, 24 April 2015 –The need for women, as active stakeholders in conflict, to be included in prevention and resolution processes was stressed during a workshop supported by the OSCE Project Co-ordination in Ukraine, OSCE Gender Section and UN Women on 23 and 24 April in Kyiv.

UNSC resolution 1325 recognizes the different effects of crisis and conflict for men and women and women's traditionally low participation in peacebuilding and recovery efforts. The Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy has undertaken the process of developing a National Action Plan (NAP) to implement UNSCR 1325 and promote a more systematic approach to addressing women's and men's specific needs resulting from the crisis. This will address the effectiveness of the government's overall approach to promoting peace and improving security.

“To achieve a sustainable and tangible impact in addressing the problems women face in large-scale crisis situations, a co-ordinated and inclusive effort of various state authorities and civil society is essential," said OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine, Ambassador Vaidotas Verba. "It is instrumental to have all the important players aboard already in the process of drafting the strategy. It is even more important to maintain this inclusive approach in implementing the NAP.”

The workshop, attended by the representatives of the relevant Ukrainian Ministries, civil society and national experts, provided background on the women peace and security agenda, good practices related to the process of developing of the NAP, strategies for successful implementation, as well as technical guidance on creating indicators that will lead to successful monitoring and activity review.

Deputy Minister of Social Policy Sergiy Ustimenko said: "In relation to the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, the implementation ofUNSCR 1325 is highly important. The resolution highlightsthe importance of the equal and inclusive participation of women in reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts."

Ambassador Miroslava Beham, OSCE Senior Gender Adviser, congratulated the government on its efforts to support an inclusive process that will result in maximum ownership by all relevant government agencies and have a real impact on the ground for women affected by the current situation in Ukraine.

UN Women Policy Specialist Mireille Affa'a Mindzie said: "In the context of several UN reviews that are critical for the women, peace and security agenda this year, the development of a Ukraine NAP demonstrates the government's commitment to translate this agenda into reality for women affected by conflict in Ukraine, and UN Women remains committed to supporting further efforts to strengthen the Ukraine NAP."

This year is the 15th anniversary of the UNSC Resolution 1325 and a high-level review of the women, peace and security agenda will be convened by the UN Security Council in October 2015 in New York. The Council will assess the progress made against the goals of the resolution since 2000. There are currently more than 50 NAPs adopted by countries around the world and at least 19 currently being drafted for adoption.