“This report is based on reflections on the seminar, as well as desktop research on the thematic issues of women, peace and security. It highlights the pivotal role of UNSCR 1325 as a seminal instrument that will advance the cause of women. While acknowledging some progress towards the implementation of the resolution over the last 10 years, the report also presents gaps between the aspiration of the resolution and the reality on the ground. In particular, participants of the High-level Seminar concluded that participation, protection and financing are still lacking in the implementation of UNSCR 1325. They pointed to women’s continued marginalisation from formal peace processes, as well as increasing levels of insecurity and violence against women and girls in conflict zones such as Darfur and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as evidence of the gaps in implementing the resolution. Overall, the report concludes that, despite the decisive role played by UNSCR 1325 in
highlighting the issues of women in peace and security, the resolution has fallen short in terms of addressing systemic violence on women as well as structural discrimination. Ultimately, the need to stop perceiving UNSCR 1325 merely as a normative framework but to conceive it an instrument that has to be translated into actions with support from governments, civil society, grassroots women, donors and the international community was underscored.”
