25 Years Later: Women Still Absent in Global Peace Efforts

Despite a UN resolution 25 years ago calling for equal female participation in peace efforts, women remain largely absent. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted increasing sexual violence and high numbers of women living near conflict zones. While progress has been made, setbacks and funding cuts continue to hinder gender equality.

Twenty-five years after a landmark UN resolution demanded equal participation for women in peace efforts, many still find themselves absent from the table. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted this troubling trend at a Security Council meeting, noting a rise in sexual violence and 676 million women living near conflict zones, the highest number since the 1990s.

Despite some progress, like doubled numbers of female UN peacekeepers and increased women's leadership in local mediation, Guterres warned that these gains are fragile and increasingly reversing. He criticized nations for failing to uphold the resolution's demand for equal participation of women in peace negotiations and protection against sexual violence.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous echoed concerns over renewed resistance to gender equality. Funding cuts are exacerbating educational, healthcare, and food access issues for women worldwide. However, Bahous emphasized that change is still possible, affirming, "Those who oppose equality do not own the future, we do."

(With inputs from agencies.)