Welcome to… Hosted by The Essential Role of Women in Building Sustainable Peace and Security Wednesday, July 24, :00 PM EDT

1. Overview: UN SCR 1325 and Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS). 2. U.S. implementation of Women, Peace and Security policies: (U.S. National Action Plan and WPS Act of 2013) 3. WAND’s WPS Program: Advancing Women’s Global Leadership  The Hon. Donya Aziz, former Member of Pakistan National Assembly  CO State Representative Angela Williams. Today

UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1325 Adopted unanimously in October 2000, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security is a landmark commitment to women in conflict that seeks to: – Repair the lack of equal participation of women in peace and post- conflict negotiations across the world – Safeguard women and children wherever conflict erupts Resolution 1325 makes it clear that women’s participation and security is critical for international peace and security It also provides a groundbreaking policy and practical framework for women’s participation in peacebuilding

Why does SCR 1325 and WPS matter so much? – There are roughly 40 active conflicts in the world, today. – More than ½ of all peace agreements fail within the first 10 years. – Women are grossly underrepresented in peace and conflict negotiations. – Of the 40 conflicts in the last decade, 31 represent repeated cycles of violence with a disproportionate impact on women and children

“ Evidence from around the world and across cultures shows that integrating women and gender considerations into peace-building processes helps promote democratic governance and long-term stability” (U.S. NAP on Women, Peace, and Security; Dec. 2011)

SCR 1325 plus subsequent resolutions 1820, 1888, 1889, and 1960 make up the Women, Peace and Security agenda (WPS). – Follow up resolutions address sexual violence, women and conflict, and women’s participation in government and peace processes. Resolution 1325 requires UN member states to develop National Action Plans (NAPs) that provide for women’s participation in peace and conflict decision-making; the protection of women and girls; and gender training. UN SCR 1325 and WPS Agenda Countries are more peaceful and prosperous when women are accorded full and equal rights and opportunity.” Former Sec. of State Clinton

How does UN Security Resolution 1325 and the Women, Peace, and Security apply to the U.S.?

 Under its Presidency of UN Security Council, the U.S. introduced 3 out of the 4 follow up resolutions. ( SCR 1820, 1888, 1960).  WPS has had Bi-Partisan political support. -In 2000, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1325 with the backing of a Democratic administration. -In 2008, a Republican administration sponsored the follow-up UNSCR1820 recognizing rape as a tactic of war and threat to peace and security.  U.S. is a major stakeholder in peace processes. U.S. and the WPS Agenda

On October 26, 2010, at the 10th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced the United States commitment to developing a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (U.S. NAP). Recognizing….

“ The only way to reduce the number of conflicts around the world, to eliminate rape as a weapon of war, to combat the culture of impunity for sexual violence, to build sustainable peace– is to draw on the full contributions of both men and women in every aspect of peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace building.” U.S. Secretary of State, Hilary Rodham Clinton

On December 19, 2011, President Obama issued an executive order directing the implementation of the United States’ first- ever National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. Joining 35 other countries around the world committed to advancing the goals of UNSCR 1325 and Women Peace and Security.

U.S. NAP on WPS: Objectives and Framework National Integration and Institutionalization of a Gender Responsive Approach Access to Relief and Recovery Protection from Violence Participation in Peace Processes and Decision-Making Conflict Prevention

This week Congress will re-introduce the WPS Act. A BILL To ensure that the United States promotes women's meaningful inclusion and participation in mediation and negotiation processes undertaken in order to prevent, mitigate, or resolve violent conflict and implements the United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, The Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2013.

How does WAND’s work advance the Women, Peace and Security Agenda? Grass Roots Grass Tops

WAND’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Program leverages the work and resources of WAND, our grassroots organization and WiLL our network of nearly 700 women state and federal legislators to ensure that women are at the tables of power where decisions are made concerning U.S. engagement on matters of peace and security.

 Strengthen and promote the role of women as agents of change in political life, conflict prevention, and peace-building,  Ensure effective implementation of the U.S. WPS Agenda as directed by the United States’ National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, (NAP) and its accompanying Executive Orders. The goals of WAND’s WPS work are:

 U.S. NAP on Women, Peace and Security  Promoting Women’s Security and Rights in Afghanistan  WPS Clearing House: Tool-Kits and Policy Resources  UN and SCR 1325  WAND/EastWest Institute Partnership: Advancing Women’s Global Leadership; WAND’s WPS Program 5 Project Areas include:

Advancing Global Women Leaders Project: Ankara, Turkey May 2013

The Honorable Donya Aziz Former Member National Assembly of Pakistan

The Honorable Angela Williams Representative, District 7 Colorado General Assembly

As a concerned citizen, what can you do to advance the Women, Peace and Security Agenda ? 1.Call or write your Representatives and tell them to support the WPS Act of 2013 to make the U.S. National Action Plan law! 2.Call or write your Representatives and tell them that we must protect and promote Afghan women rights following the expedited withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan! 3.Support women’s organizations that strengthen and promote the role of women as leaders and agents of change in political life, conflict prevention, and peace-building Thank You!! What can you do?

Please contact us for more information: WAND National Office 691 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA | WAND/WiLL Washington, DC th St. NE, Washington, DC | WAND Atlanta 250 Georgia Ave. Ste 202, Atlanta, GA |