Twenty-five years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, women remain dramatically underrepresented in peace and security decision-making — from local mediation tables to high-level negotiations. This lack of representation weakens peace processes and undermines the chances for lasting, inclusive solutions.
Soroptimist International of Europe calls on all political leaders to take urgent, concrete steps to ensure women are fully and meaningfully included in peace and security.
Our Key Demands
1. Fully implement UNSCR 1325 — move from promises to measurable action.
- Adopt a National Action Plan that is active and up to date.
- Appoint dedicated gender advisers with mandatory gender training.
- Collect and publish gender-disaggregated data on peace and security.
- Require gender risk assessments in arms export decisions.
- Support training on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) for security forces.
- Enforce Zero Tolerance policies on SGBV in peacekeeping and military missions.
- Integrate a gender perspective in all mission planning and evaluation.
- Invest in survivor-centred justice and support systems.
2. Include women meaningfully in all peace and security decision-making — from the local to the international level.
- Set targets and quotas for women as mediators, negotiators, and peace leaders.
- Appoint women to lead peace talks and expert groups.
- Give diplomatic visibility to women peacebuilders.
- Regularly consult grassroots women’s organisations in peace processes.
- Guarantee safe access and protection for women participating in decision-making.
3. Provide political support and funding for women-led peace initiatives — lasting peace needs long-term investment in women.
- Establish dedicated grant schemes for women-led peacebuilding.
- Ensure long-term, flexible funding that supports the sustainability of these initiatives.
A clear message
Women’s leadership is not optional – it is essential.
By fully implementing existing commitments, ensuring women’s voices are at every decision-making table, and funding women-led peace initiatives, leaders can help build the foundations for a sustainable, inclusive peace.