CSW65: Faith Forward – Women Brokering Peace in Conflict & Crisis

Background

Dubbed a landmark resolution on women, peace and security, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) recognises the differential impact of conflict and war on women and girls’ lives. The resolution recognises that in situations of armed conflict, women and girls are at great risk of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse.

The resolution affirms that peace and security efforts are more sustainable when women are equal partners in the prevention of violent conflict, the delivery of relief and recovery efforts and in the forging of lasting peace. Yet 21 years later, women’s voices are missing from peacebuilding conversations. To date, Women of Faith have been integrally involved in addressing the trauma and physical impact of conflict both personally and communally.

Concept

Through this parallel event, women in leadership as well as women faith leaders will present an argument for including women of faith in decision-making for peacebuilding processes.

The opening remarks will set the stage by providing a background to challenges faced by women in conflict situations and highlights the need for faith-based intervention. An interactive, intersectional dialogue among women facing the trauma of conflict at the frontlines will share from their own experiences and offer recommendations (20 minutes). Thereafter, persons working in the field who are involved in the process of brokering peace and/or negotiating women’s involvement in the peace processes will reflect on holistic approaches, best practices, and faith-based approaches.

Objectives

The parallel event will present an argument for Women of Faith being actively involved in peace brokering processes at leadership and grassroots levels.

Panellists will share with regard to the following:

• Experiences of women on the grassroots level accounting for the necessary inclusion of women in peacebuilding processes
• Gendered principles that should undergird the practices of peacebuilding in armed conflicts and crises
• UNSCR 1325 and its implications for a faith-based approach to rebuilding with women in crises/conflict
• A road-map for more effective co-operation between governmental and faith-based organisations in effecting peace

Speakers

Framing the Context for Women in Peacebuilding – Prof Azza Karam, Secretary General, Religions for Peace

Section 1: Global Reality at the Frontlines
Ms Sehin Teferra – Founder, Setaweet women’s organisation in Ethiopia
Dr Nayla Tabbara – Co-Founder, Adyan Foundation in Lebanon and Co-President, Religions for Peace

Section 2: Faith-based Roadmap for Women in Peacebuilding
Ms Amanda Khozi Mukwashi – Chief Executive, Christian Aid
Rev Gloria Ulloa – Latin America and Caribbean President, World Council of Churches
Ms Ranjita Borgoary – India Women’s Desk Secretary, and Council Member Lutheran World Federation
Ms Mira Neaimeh – Executive for Middle East and Program Director for Peace Building and Overcoming Violence, World Student Christian Federation

Moderated by Mr Isaiah Toroitich – Head of Global Advocacy, Lutheran World Federation

Please note that you must have a profile on the NGO CSW65 virtual platform to register for this event. You can register as an NGO CSW65 Virtual Forum Advocate for free here: NGO CSW65 Forum Advocate registration page link.

You can log in to an existing account here.

After registering as an Advocate, you can add this event to your calendar of CSW events here.