UN Women warns about the impact of misogyny on global security.

The diplomat highlighted that women’s empowerment is not just a matter of social justice but an urgent need for global peace and stability. Oct 24, 2024 Photo: @AWLNetwork

October 24, 2024 Hour: 5:51 pm

Women’s participation in political decision-making and peace negotiations remains stagnant. In 2023, less than 10% of experts involved in peace negotiations were women, and in UN-led peace processes, this percentage was barely 20%.

The Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, delivered a strong warning on Thursday before the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing that using misogyny as a political tool has significant costs for future generations. Bahous stated that this dynamic not only perpetuates violence but also generates “more conflicts” that could be even “more devastating” than current ones.

During her speech, Bahous stressed the crucial importance of guaranteeing women’s rights to “move, be heard, and make decisions for themselves.” She asserted that these rights are fundamental and can make the difference “between life and death” in conflict contexts.

The diplomat highlighted that women’s empowerment is not just a matter of social justice but an urgent need for global peace and stability.

As I briefed the Security Council today on the Secretary General’s 2023 report on #WPS, my message was clear:

We must match the incredible bravery of women worldwide with determined action and resources – their work is the foundation of peace.#UNSCR1325

Read my statement:… pic.twitter.com/NWYlArl3nj
— Sima Bahous (@unwomenchief) October 24, 2024

Alarming figures presented by Bahous show a 50% increase in cases of sexual violence against women in armed conflict during 2023 compared to the previous year. The number of girls who were severely raped also increased by 35%.

These statistics come from a study published in September by the UN General Secretariat, which notes that 61% of all maternal mortality is concentrated in 35 countries affected by conflict.

Bahous also stressed the current context, characterized by “inadequate attention to women and their leadership.” Women’s participation in political decision-making and peace negotiations remains stagnant. In 2023, less than 10% of experts involved in peace negotiations were women, and in UN-led peace processes, this percentage was barely 20%.

The situation is further aggravated by the dramatic increase in military spending while investment in gender equality is being reduced and funding for organizations supporting women in conflict environments is limited.

Bahous highlighted that only 23% of the funding requirements for preventing and responding to gender-based violence have been met.

Her call to action is urgent at a time when global crises demand inclusive and effective responses to ensure a safer future for all women.