Challenges and opportunities for increasing women’s contribution to international peace and security explored at OSCE Chairmanship event in Vienna

Persisting challenges within and beyond the OSCE area with regard to the meaningful participation of women to international peace and security efforts were the focus of discussions at the OSCE-wide conference “Women in the Security Sector: Challenges for the OSCE Area and Beyond”, held in Vienna on 1 October 2018. The event was organized by the Italian OSCE Chairmanship in co-operation with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Gender section.

A wide range of stakeholders from OSCE participating States, OSCE executive structures and institutions and other international organizations, as well as military personnel, peace-building and politico-military advisers, gender experts, and academics discussed how increasing women’s participation in the security sector makes it more diverse and effective.

“We strongly advocate and support the need for an increased participation of women in the security sector,” said Alessandro Azzoni, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, in his opening speech. “Women’s participation in military and peace-keeping activities is a force multiplier in operational planning and mission implementation. It also contributes to situational awareness and improves the perception of the peace operation, thus increasing its acceptance by the local population,” he added.

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger said: “Gender equality and women’s rights are essential elements of the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security. We need further constructive dialogue to advance women in the traditionally male-dominated security sector”.

Despite UN Security Council Resolutions and national action plans addressing and mandating women’s participation in the security sector, it is often discounted or overlooked, both in the field and at the decision-making level. Nevertheless, positive models of inclusivity do exist within the OSCE area and beyond.

"Integrating a gender perspective throughout all ranges of military activities can significantly boost their effectiveness,” said Captain of the Italian Airforce Stefania Palmiero. “The Italian Military Forces are highly committed towards a full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, peace and security and subsequent resolutions. Over the last few years, gender has been mainstreamed across all levels and branches of the military, reflecting Italy’s traditional focus on responding to the different needs of men, women, boys and girls, especially in military operations."

Within the framework of the Italian OSCE Chairmanship’s effort to further advance the Organization’s efforts in this domain, the conference built on existing OSCE commitments with regard to women’s contribution to international peace and security and the legacy of the former Austrian OSCE Chairmanship.