In the context of the
International Women’s Day and the League of Nations Centenary commemorations
Parallel Event:
Strengthening the role of women in peace and multilateralism
Thank you very much for the organizers and panelists for the inspiring presenetations.
Can`t be more timely to talk about women`s role in peace and multilateralism than now that we soon start celebrating the centenary of the multilateral diplomacy. If we look back the 100 years we must admit that, the changes are remarkable, but also that there is still a lot to do.
The gender stereotypes, which associate men with interaction in the public sphere and women with the private, domestic sphere of family and home, are still difficult to brake. It is concerning that although mostly realized in theory, the reality does not reflect our commitments. According to UN Women, between 1990 and 2017, women constituted only 2 per cent of mediators, 8 per cent of negotiators, and 5 per cent of witnesses and signatories in all major peace process. At the same time, we all know that women’s participation in peace negotiations increases the durability and the quality of peace. It has been concluded by studies that peace agreements with female signatories are associated with durable peace. Additionally, this study shows peace agreements signed by female delegates demonstrate higher implementation rate for agreement provisions. Women`s involvement is crucial and needs to be further strengthened for addressing today`s global challenges comprehensively and for ensuring a more inclusive society. Women`s contribution to the multilateral system can in no way be underestimated. There can be no sustainable development and achievement of just and lasting peace without gender equality and women`s meaningful participation in all spheres of life. In this regard, I am glad to note that while (as of November 2018) only 10 per cent of UN Member States have a female Head of State or Government, Estonia is among the few to have a female Head of State and could very probably also get a female Head of Government.
Estonia has been a long standing supporter of implementation of the Security Council Resolution 1325 and its follow-up resolutions. Running for the UN Security Council for the period of 2020-21, Estonia affirms a long-term commitment to take more responsibility in promoting international peace and security and ensure a more inclusive society based on the rule of law. In this context we commit to paying special attention to the women, peace and security agenda. We are glad to note that according to the respective data (2017) the number of the Security Council’s decisions which contain provisions on women, peace and security have increased over the years (2017). Conflict and post-conflict situations often exacerbate an environment of gender based violence. But furthermore, there have been studies saying that severity of violence used by states in international crises decreases as domestic gender equality increases. Therefore, I am glad that today`s event also aims to highlight the role of education. I would especially like to stress that education is one of the best means for contributing to girls` empowerment and for securing a society where men and women are regarded as equal members of society. Education is highly important for raising girls and boys to challenge gender stereotypes and to ensure that women`s participation in politics, in decision making processes in general, as well as in in peace processes will not be questioned, but promoted by all.
In conclusion,
Preserving the advancements made until today and avoiding erosion of the norms agreed internationally until now, both in women, peace and security agenda but also in wider multilateral system, needs our continuous efforts and pressure. Moreover, we should use the useful frameworks of sustainable development goals as well as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, among others, for accelerating the progress towards full gender equality in the world.
In that regard the events and discussions like today are much appreciated and needed.
Thank you!