Advancing Women's Civil Society Organizations in Security Sector Reform

On April 10th, 2013 PeaceWomen observed a panel discussion on women's role in security system reform organized by the United States Institute of Peace. This event was also a promotion of the recently launched publication, “A Women's Guide to Security Sector Reform." The progress that has been made in advancing and promoting women's inclusion is noticeable in the shift of the rhetorical question from where are the women? to Why is there active participation essential? The excellent speakers, including the co-authors of the publication, discussed on the one hand what a gendered perspective contributes to security efforts, and on the other hand the challenges faced by women to actively take part in the security sector reform. The need to include men as women's allies was also highlighted.