Recommendations from the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security to the International Conference

1. 1325 NEWS FOR PEACEWOMEN

UNIFEM Women, War and Peace Independent Study Now Available
Women, War and Peace: The Independent Experts' Assessment on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Women's Role in Peace-building, by Elisabeth Rehn and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is now available online. The 10 chapters of the study address a variety of issues, including violence against women, war and health of women, HIV/AIDS, media power, and reconstruction. In addition, there are recommendations by chapter focusing on finding ways to protect and empower women. To read the UNIFEM study, go to: http://www.unifem.undp.org/resources/assessment/index.html

Clarification: Secretary-General's Study and Report on Women, Peace and Security
In the last issue of the newsletter, we mentioned the release of the Secretary-General's report Women, Peace and Security, submitted by the Secretary-General to the Security Council during the Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, on October 28th. The report is based on the findings of the in depth study Women, Peace and Security, which was mandated by Resolution 1325 (2000) and was coordinated by the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women in cooperation with the Inter-agency Taskforce on Women, Peace and Security. The study includes over 60 recommendations for further actions to ensure greater attention to gender perspectives in peace and security areas of work.
To read the study, visit: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/DAW/public/eWPS.pdf The study can also be ordered online at: http://www.un.org/Pubs/whatsnew/e03009.htm

Jordan's Queen, UNICEF Head Call For Equality At Amman Meeting
November 4, 2002 - The 2nd Arab Women's Summit opened yesterday in Amman, Jordan, with the country's Queen Rania calling on Arab women to build bridges across national boundaries. The queen stressed the importance of combating stereotypes of Arab women, one of the conference's main goals. For the full report, visit:
http://unf-staging.groupstone.com/unwire/util/display_stories.asp?objid=...
Arab women attending the summit have launched a campaign that would push Arab governments to adopt a civil rights tool to help the disenfranchised: quotas – in this case, for women seeking to enter Parliament. For the full story, go to the Christian Science Monitor at: http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/1106/p07s01-wome.html

Feminist Africa (FA) - A New Electronic Journal
November 7, 2002 - Feminist Africa is a new electronic publication that provides a platform for “cutting-edge, informative and provocative gender work attuned to African agendas. As the first journal on gender with a continental focus, it provides a forum for the publication and dissemination of high quality feminist scholarship in African contexts.” From Pambazuka News (Issue 87). Visit the journal at: http://www.feministafrica.org/

UNDP Supports Government Project On Health, Domestic Violence
November 7, 2002 - The UN Development Program is supporting a $17 million government initiative to raise awareness in Mexico about women's health, improve detection and prevention of domestic violence and incorporate a gender perspective in health research, the UN agency said yesterday. For the full story on UN Wire visit:
http://unf-staging.groupstone.com/unwire/util/display_stories.asp?objid=...

1325 Anniversary Events in Canada
November 7, 2002 - Beth Woroniuk, a member of the Gender and Peacebuilding Working Group of the Canadian Committee on Women, Peace and Security has written about two events that took place in Ottawa to mark the second anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 1325. To read her overview of the events, go to: http://www.peacewomen.org/news/november/1325Canadaevents.html

“Building Capacities for Peacekeeping and Women's Dimensions in Peace Processes” Conference
November 4-5, 2002 – A conference on “Building Capacities for Peacekeeping and Women's Dimensions in Peace Processes," an initiative of the Governments of Chile and Denmark, on behalf of the European Union, recently concluded in Santiago, Chile. The purpose of the conference was to “increase the cooperation between both regions by exchanging ideas concerning the role of women in peace processes and peace operations.” Participants included United Nations, military and police personnel as well as government and NGO experts on women and peacekeeping issues. Members of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security were among the participants. For more information about the conference, a website has been created at: http://www.geocities.com/womenpeacekeeping/.

Women Waging Peace Colloquium
November 2-8, 2002 - The Fourth Annual Women Waging Peace Colloquium (November 2-8th) heard a keynote address on "Gender and Disarmament" from UN Under-Secretary General for Disarmament Affairs Jayantha Dhanapala on November 8th. Mr. Dhanapala observed that "Extraordinary events have been taking place at the United Nations - events that should be of great interest to all who care about gender equality, disarmament, and the surprisingly close relationship that exists between them." In discussing Resolution 1325 he said "Some might say it helped to inaugurate a new era of 'results-based' gender equality in the UN system and, one hopes, among the individual member states as well." For the full text of the Under-Secretary-General's address see: http://www.womenwagingpeace.net/content/policyinitiatives/policyday/pold...
or http://disarmament.un.org/speech/08nov2002.htm

For More News please see: http://www.peacewomen.org/news/newsindex.html

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2. FEATURE REPORT: North and South Korean Women's Reunification Rally

From October 16th to 17th, women from North and South Korea held a Women's Unification Rally for Peace and the Implementation of the June 15th Joint Declaration at Mount Kumgang (North). This was the first large women's meeting between South and North since the division of Korea. 350 women from South Korea and 300 women form North Korea together produced a Joint Resolution from the North and South Korean Women's Reunification Rally for Peace and the Implementation of the June 15th Joint Declaration. We have included the Joint Resolution below:

Today women representatives from North Korea, South Korea, and overseas have gathered here at Gumgang Mountain for the first ever Women's Reunification Rally, full of our desire and will for the unification of Korea. While representatives participated in Women's Conference for Implementation of the June 15th Joint Declaration and Peace through sectoral meetings, joint artistic performances, recreational competitions, arts and crafts exhibitions, and other diverse events, we sincerely realized the vitality of the June 15th
Declaration and the urgency for peace and the reunification of our nation. Recognizing the importance of the responsibility and role of women in the resolution of national and reunification issues, we have made the following resolutions in our desire for all women to unite strongly in the understanding of the June 15th Declaration, and that peace and reunification be realized.

1. Women's groups from North Korean, South Korean, and overseas Korean populations, with renewed hope and belief, will be actively involved in reunification movements so that the June 15th declaration may be fulfilled. The June 15th Joint Declaration has made clear the path for national reunification.
-North Korean, South Korean, and groups of overseas Koreans will actively support the June 15th Declaration and will play the leading role in the reunification movement.
-No matter what the circumstances are before us, North Korean, South Korean, and groups of overseas women will hold on to the basic spirit of and will reject all opposition to the June 15th Joint Declaration.

2. North Korean, South Korean, and overseas representatives will make every effort to prevent a new war and to build peace and security on the Korean peninsula.
- The peace and security of Korea is important for the destiny of this nation and is vital in all of our daily lives.
-North Korean, South Korean, and overseas representatives will not accept any pretense for war, and will unite to keep the country peaceful and safe.
-North Korean, South Korean, and overseas representatives will strengthen the international cooperation with women in the world, and concentrate the peaceful strength of women all over the world so that there will be no more pain, suffering, or war in this land.

3. North Korean, South Korean, and overseas women's groups will actively pursue cooperation and unity between women so that peace and reunification come sooner in this land.
-The unity among North Korean, South Korean, and overseas women's groups is an important means of ensuring enforcement of the June 15th Declaration.
-North Korean, South Korean, and overseas women's groups will strengthen solidarity and unity under the June 15th Declaration, join the strength and voices of women in the process of reunification movement, and work for the continuation of the North South Women's Reunification Rally for above purposes.
-North Korean, South Korean, and overseas Korean women will further promote cooperation, exchanges, contacts, and dialogues between women's groups and individuals, helpful for the joint prosperity and reunification of our nation.

4. North Korean, South Korean, and overseas Korean women will make every effort to establish a framework for a unified society with gender equality.
-The equal participation of women in the process of reunification meets the absolute need of the resolution of national and reunification issues and in the realization of gender equality in a unified society.
-North Korean, South Korean, and groups of overseas Korean women will make sure that women, who make up half of this nation, fulfill their responsibilities and roles along with men in the resolution of national and reunification issues.
-North Korean, South Korean, and groups of overseas Korean women will work in cooperation, and will join the strength and voices of women to participate equally with men in every process of reunification, so that a unified society with gender equality can be realized.

For more information, contact Gyung-Lan Jung of Women Making Peace at: humanrights@korea.com

To read this report online, go to: http://www.peacewomen.org/resources/voices/declar/NorthandSouthKorea.html

For a comprehensive annotated bibliography of books, articles and analyses on women's peace theory and activities, as well as NGO position papers, reports, speeches, statements and tools for organizational building, please go to: http://www.peacewomen.org/resources/resindex.html

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3. FEATURE ANALYSIS: Recommendations from the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security to the International Conference "Building Capacities for Peacekeeping and Women's Dimensions in Peace Processes"

From November 4th to 5th, the governments of Chile and Denmark, on behalf of the European Union, co-sponsored a conference "Building Capacities for Peacekeeping and Women's Dimensions in Peace Processes" that was held in Santiago, Chile. According to the organizers, the purpose of the conference was to “increase the cooperation between both regions by exchanging ideas concerning the role of women in peace processes and peace operations.” Participants included United Nations, military and police personnel, mostly women, and government and NGO experts. Presentations covered issues such as gender equality in post-conflict reconstruction, problems faced by women in armed conflicts and the reach of international instruments to protect them, and women's participation in peacekeeping forces. A website, in both Spanish and English, has been created for the conference which includes links to all of the presentations, a list of the speakers, and useful background information, including a link to Resolution 1325. A report of the conference is currently being written and will be available on the website in the near future.

Conference website: http://www.geocities.com/womenpeacekeeping/

Members of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, the only NGO representatives, participated in the conference and submitted a list of eight recommendations which we have included below and which are also included on the website.

Santiago, Chile, 4-5 November 2002

1. Maintain a network of participants for sharing relevant information and gender mainstreaming resources via email and internet

2. Integrate the human security agenda with the promotion of gender mainstreaming, awareness and action through, inter alia, attention to participation of women and quotas.

3. Regional approaches to identify strategies for implementation of Resolution 1325.

4. The establishment of a properly resourced high level Gender Unit within the Department for Peacekeeping Operations to coordinate and support the work of Senior Gender Advisors in all field missions.

5. The development of mechanisms for systematic Security Council interface with civil society.

(Such as the initiation of a sub-committee on Women, Peace and Security to develop and monitor a timed action plan for implementation of 1325. As suggested by member states at the Arria Formula. This might also involve the development of resource lists, fact sheets and a database of women's organizations in focus regions of the Security Council including inputs from NGOs. In the current context of the escalating tension and conflict in the Middle East and Iraq we note with concern that there has been no mention of consultation with women's organizations in these contexts.)

6. The introduction of Women, Peace and Security as a six monthly item on the Security Council agenda to monitor implementation of 1325.

7. Evaluation of Contribution Agreements and Status of Forces Agreements to ensure gender mainstreaming into such agreements, e.g. to ensure mechanisms of securing paternal child support obligations and responsibilities and attention to associated health needs of women in host countries with increased health risks.

8. Evaluation and updating of military codes and practices to ensure adherence to existing international humanitarian law standards with respect sexual and gender violence.

For a comprehensive annotated bibliography of books, articles and analyses on women's peace theory and activities, as well as NGO position papers, reports, speeches, statements and tools for organizational building, please go to: http://www.peacewomen.org/resources/resindex.html

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4. FEATURE STATEMENT: Women Peacebuilders in Fiji Commemorate Second Anniversary of Resolution 1325

On October 31st, women from the National Council of Women Fiji (NCWF) joined St. Anne's Primary School for their Peace Day celebrations. Sharon Bhagwan, who spoke on behalf of NCWF, paid special attention to the 2nd anniversary of Resolution 1325 in her address to the primary school students. We have included her speech below:

Good Morning. First of all may I thank Sister Wendt, Mrs Tabutabu and all of you for welcoming the National Council of Women Fiji and our members and friends to be part of this wonderful commemoration of today. Today is a very special day for us, as women's NGOs and women-peacebuilders because we are remembering or commemorating that the UN through its Security Council, 2 years ago today, signed UN Security Council Resolution 1325 titled Women, Peace and Security, which means that at the highest global decision-making level, women, in the many roles that we play as daughters, wives, mothers and even, grandmothers, are being recognized for the important role we play, and can play in ensuring peace. The resolution is also an acknowledgement of all the women, across the world, who have been working for peace in their countries, just as women, from all faiths, came together during the Blue Ribbon Peace Vigil in 2000 here in Suva, and today continue to work and pray for peace in our country. In our own pacific island region, we also remember our sisters in Papua New Guinea/Bouganville, Solomon Islands, West Papua and other countries who are also working for Peace.

At a global level, as we hear through the news, with all the discussions and debates currently highlighting the very important need for Global Peace. It is a time for leaders worldwide to review just how far they have come in 'making good' on their commitment to ensuring the women's perspective and presence at all levels of peace building and also in addressing Security issues. When the women's perspective is included - we know that it includes issues for her family, her neighbours and community and her country. So what better way to commemorate today, than to do so with you, young women and your teachers, who are showing a dedication and commitment to peace. You are our future and we are very proud to be able to share your initiatives. Here in Fiji, especially in Suva, we can all remember the sad events of 2000, most recently, which has affected everyone. And as the NCWFiji, we feel that we have a very important responsibility, to make sure we do not face another situation like May 19th, because we know just how many families and children, are still recovering from what happened 2 years ago, because there is no 'quick fix' or magic wand, that will make it all disappear. Working for Peace is not easy, but it is very important. It means, that we are working to ensure that in our country, we are showing an interest or a commitment to not just think about or look after ourselves, but also our neighbor, families and groups who may not be as well-off or fortunate as us.

We are listening and learning to understand the different communities that together make up the one family that we belong to as Fiji Islands, because we are thinking about everyone's needs. And when we have peace in our communities, in our country, our government - our leaders, are able to concentrate on making good development decisions about issues like education, health and the environment. When there is peace, it means people have been working together to discuss problems that our country or our community may be facing. When there is peace, it also means that families are also talking about things that affect them and working together to work through whatever problems they maybe facing. So Peace is everyone's responsibility - we are all instruments of Peace. So thank you once again, for welcoming us into your commemoration of Peace, and we hope that as you grow up, you will continue the work that our mother and grandmothers have begun, to ensure that the Fiji Islands, once again will be a country that is truly a peaceful paradise.

Vinaka-Shukria, Peace

To read this statement online, go to: http://www.peacewomen.org/resources/voices/declar/FijiRes1325.html

For a comprehensive annotated bibliography of books, articles and analyses on women's peace theory and activities, as well as NGO position papers, reports, speeches, statements and tools for organisational building. Please go to: http://www.peacewomen.org/resources/resindex.html

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5. FEATURE CONTACT FOR PEACEWOMEN:

Women's Initiative for Peace, Greece-Turkey (WINPEACE)

Launched by women from Greece and Turkey in July 1997, WINPEACE' aims include taking joint action in building a culture of peace and enhancing women's role in conflict resolution, developing non-violent solutions to problems and tensions, and urging the Greek and Turkish governments to reduce their military budgets. According to WINPEACE, “we appeal to all women in both nations to join hands in this effort to know each other, to develop harmonious relations to nourish peaceful ideas, to produce non-violent actions.”

Their planned projects include a diversity of activities:
-Organize seminars and summer-schools for young people on human rights education and the peaceful resolution of conflicts
-Establish a WINPEACE website to facilitate correspondence between the young people of the two countries
-Organize a series of conferences between women politicians from Greece and Turkey

WINPEACE
KEDE Office (Center for Research and Action on Peace)
124B Vas. Sofias Avenue
GR 115 26 Athens
Greece
http://www.geocities.com/win_peace/win0.html

For more information, call 30-210-77-57-121, fax 30-210-77-51-170, or email kedewinpeace@ath.forthnet.gr

For an extensive database of organizations worldwide working on women and peace issues, go to: http://www.peacewomen.org/contacts/conindex.html

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6.. RESOURCES FOR PEACEWOMEN

Throwing the Stick Forward: the Impact of War on Southern Sudanese Women
Mary Anne Fitzgerald

A report published by Operation Lifeline Sudan (UN umbrella body that coordinates UN humanitarian agencies and NGOs involved in relief work in disputed regions of southern Sudan) and sponsored by UNICEF and UNIFEM.

Anne Fitzgerald chronicles the hardships southern Sudanese women face in the civil war that has rampaged Sudan for the past 19 years. Although women in Sudan have suffered some of the worst forms of abuse, and although women traditionally are peacemakers in many communities in southern Sudan, there are very few women involved in the official peace process. Fitzgerald does not focus solely on the victimization of women and poor representation of women at the peace table, but also looks for a way forward for Sudanese women in the south. According to Fitzgerald, women have been and could again be a positive force for improvement, but they face many obstacles.

An extensive overview of Throwing the Stick Forward, and the report in PDF form, can be found on the website of Operation Lifeline Sudan at: http://www.olssudan.org/

For a comprehensive annotated bibliography of books, articles on and analyses of women's peace theories and activities, as well as NGO position papers, reports, speeches, statements and tools for organisational building, go to: http://www.peacewomen.org/resources/resindex.html

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7. CALENDAR EVENTS FOR PEACEWOMEN

Ongoing Women's Peace Vigil at the White House
November 17, 2002 - Washington, DC
Join prominent women and women's organizations across the country for this historic peace vigil in front of the White House on Sunday, November 17. This is an ongoing peace vigil that will continue through March 8, International Women's Day, and culminate in a massive women's peace march. For more information, contact:
women@unitedforpeace.org or call Kristi Laughlin at 415/255-7291

“Not a Minute More: A Call to the World to End Violence Against Women
November 25, 1-2:30, Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium, UN
UNIFEM is hosting a special event to commemorate UN-designated International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Participants will include Eve Ensler, Playwright and Artistic Director/Founder of V-Day, Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director of UNIFEM, and many others. UNIFEM is expecting 100-200 attendees including government delegates, representatives of NGOs and civil society groups, UN officials, as well as experts on the issue of gender-based violence. For more information, visit UNIFEM's website at: http://www.unifem.undp.org/newsroom/events/november_25th.html

Eastern and Southern African Young Women's Symposium on HIV/AIDS: Announcement And Call For Papers
November 27-29, Nairobi
Recognizing that HIV/AIDS has a differential impact on young women and men, the Eastern and Southern African Young Women's symposium on HIV/AIDS is expected to bring together young women from academic institutions in the region, gender-based organizations, NGOs, Donors and governments to reflect on the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on young women and to design strategies for greater practical action to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS among young women. This symposium will coincide with World AIDS Day celebrations. The event is being organized by Strategic Initiatives for Development (STRIDE) and the Kenya Oral Literature Association in preparation for the 2nd International Youth/ Students Conference on AIDS (IYSCA 2003). For more information, contact W. Kaikai at 254-02-245311, or email kola@todays.co.ke or strideve@hotmail.com.

Over there and Over here: A One-Day Seminar on Working with Immigrant and Refugee Adolescent Girls
November 28, 2002, Center for Developing Area Studies, McGill University, Montreal
This seminar is organized by the Gender and Human Security Issues (GHSI) Project (Centre for Developing Areas Studies of McGill University and the Centre des Femmes de Montréal) in collaboration with the McGill-based Girlhood Studies Research Group. According to the organizers, the purpose of this one-day seminar is to bring together a “'possible community' of individuals and organizations interested in immigrant and refugee adolescent girls, as well as girls themselves, to look at topics and themes of interest and concern to them, and to explore the possible connections between policies and practices related to the girl-child in development ‘over there' contexts, and work with girls ‘over here'.” For more details please contact Jackie Kirk: jackie.kirk@mail.mcgill.ca, call (514)-398-1318, or visit: http://www.gesh-ghsi.mcgill.ca/index_e/index_e.htm

For more calendar events please visit: http://www.peacewomen.org/frame/calendar/calendar.html

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