ICWPS highlights women's vital role for inclusive peace building

On the second day of the ongoing International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Tuesday, the significance of women's involvement in discussions and decision-making regarding peace issues was highlighted.

In the opening session titled "Shaping Peace: The Meaningful Participation and Indispensable Role of Women in the Peace Process," experts from various nations underscored that peace initiatives become more impactful and comprehensive with women actively participating in the conversations.

Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, former United Nations Undersecretary-General and Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, emphasized that a peace initiative gains credibility when women are part of the dialogue.

It was also pointed out that incorporating women in peace negotiations leads to more effective resource allocation, as women and children often bear the brunt during conflicts.

Furthermore, having women involved in peace processes offers a wider perspective on significant issues related to the effects of war or conflict on local populations.

Speakers, however, acknowledged that in certain countries, areas, and cultures, ensuring women's participation and including their voices in the peace process remains a struggle as they strive for peace in conflict-affected regions.

According to Kristina Lie Revheim, Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, in Afghanistan, women encounter obstacles in voicing their aspirations for change under the influence of groups like the Taliban.

The Taliban's policies, which limit women’s access to education and societal engagement, create major challenges for women in the nation. Despite this, Revheim expressed optimism, noting that as women in Afghanistan gradually become part of peace discussions, more conservative men are starting to acknowledge its significance amid shifting times.

"It's a step-by-step process, but it's actually very effective," Revheim said.

The ICWPS — organized by government bodies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, the Philippine Commission on Women, and the Department of Budget and Management — aims to serve as a venue for discussing effective practices in addressing barriers to women's participation in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and safeguarding women's rights, including specific needs for repatriation and resettlement.

The conference aspires to reaffirm gender equality and promote gender parity, marking an essential step towards ensuring that women's voices are recognized and valued in peace processes across the globe. —KBK, GMA Integrated News