April Pham’s Post

As we lead up to the one year anniversary of the war in Sudan, let us be reminded that the solutions including peace, rests with Sudanese women. The instigators of revolutions, leaders of non-violent resistance, and agents of peace. Let us be reminded that there is no hope of ever lasting peace if Sudanese women are not involved. So, my question is, are our processes doomed already? In November 2023, the Feminist Peace and Solidarity Conference brought together Sudanese women leaders and activists with regional and international supporters in Nairobi, and called for: 1. Protection and unhindered access to survivor- and community-led humanitarian aid without violence and intimidation. 2. A cessation of hostility, monitored with actionable consequences if violated, and broad-based and inclusive civilian-led conflict transformation process in which women play a leading role. 3. Sustainable feminist and flexible funding for civil society and women’s rights organizations working in conflict zones. 4. Enhanced support for adequate humanitarian aid for the civilians affected by the conflict including economic and psychosocial support services. 5. Sexual and gender-based violence must be central to any political process, including accountability, reparations, and transitional justice. 6. That armed actors be accountable for their responsibility for mass violation. 7. The African Union engages in immediate diplomatic interventions aimed at cessation of hostilities and establishing a fact-finding mission. 8. The inclusion and meaningful participation of women and women-led organizations in peace processes and negotiations. 9. The swift implementation of the resolution for a fact-finding mission by the UN Human Rights Council with involvement of women-led organizations. 10. The establishment of a tribunal to address the war crimes committed during the conflict, focusing on crimes against women and girls for justice and accountability. 11. International action to stop illicit financial streams and political economies that enrich key perpetrators of violence. Very clear asks that simply seem to be ignored. #KeepeyesonSudan #SudanConference #ceasefireNOW #wps #unscr1325 #jeddah #womensrights Emmanuel Macron European Union African Union FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network Jacqueline O'Neill NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGO CSW/NY) UN Women USAID IGAD

We are delighted to provide an update on the forthcoming 'experiential exchange' between First Nations women across Turtle Island and women working in peace building across the island of Ireland. It is very important to situate our efforts under the auspices of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on "Women, Peace and Security". 🕊 Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security The first UN Security Council Resolution on Women Peace and Security (WPS), SCR 1325, was adopted in October 2000. It is the first resolution to link women to the peace and security agenda and acknowledge that armed conflicts impact women and girls differently from men and boys, as well as the need for women’s active and effective participation in peacemaking, including peace processes and peacebuilding. SCR 1325 consists of four pillars: 1. The role of women in conflict prevention; 2. Women’s participation in peacemaking and peacebuilding; 3. The protection of women’s rights during and after conflict; and 4. Women’s specific needs during repatriation, resettlement, rehabilitation, reintegration and post-conflict reconstruction. Following SCR 1325, the Security Council has adopted nine additional resolutions on WPS, the most recent in October 2019. These resolutions are often referred to as belonging to two sets of categories. https://lnkd.in/eAk6fY64

For analysis of the #PSC's work on the Women, Peace and Security #WPS agenda, read our special research report here https://lnkd.in/eiakAudU https://lnkd.in/eZW7UiXr

🌍 Advancing Women's Role in Peace and Security As conflicts persist globally, women and girls continue to bear disproportionate burdens, facing risks of gender-based violence and being underrepresented in peace negotiations. The UN’s latest report highlights eight key steps to empower women in peace and security roles: 1️⃣ Increase women’s participation in peace negotiations 2️⃣ Repeal discriminatory laws 3️⃣ Strengthen decision-making power 4️⃣ Hold rights violators accountable 5️⃣ Preserve women’s rights post-mission 6️⃣ Protect peace and political activists 7️⃣ Support survivors of conflict-related violence 8️⃣ Prioritize peace over military spending At Unity Beyond Borders, we stand with the UN in advocating for these vital steps to ensure women’s voices and rights are central to peacebuilding and security worldwide. Together, let’s work towards a world where women are empowered to lead in building sustainable peace. #WomenPeaceSecurity #EmpowerWomen #UBB #HumanRights #SDG5 #SDG16

Given the recent developments concerning the proposed amendments to Iraq's personal status law, it is imperative to #empower local #women's rights organizations that are part off the community, deeply embedded within and directly engage with women. CARE Iraq, in partnership with CARE Egypt and CARE International in Sudan, is implementing a regional project focused on the Women, Peace, and Security (#WPS) agenda. Through a BMZ-funded initiative, we are working with three local partners in Iraq to further empower them and enhance their capacities, Better world Organization, Baghdad Women Association and Women Empowerment Organization (WEO). The goal is through our partners to support smaller grassroots organizations that often lack the necessary resources, helping them work more effectively on women’s rights in line with the WPS agenda. We are pleased to share our latest brochure highlighting the significance of UN Security Council Resolution #1325 on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Developed by our partner organization, Women Empowerment Organization (WEO), it highlights the importance of the WPS agenda and it explores the role of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution and emphasizes the need for their active involvement in decision-making processes. Together, we can ensure that women's perspectives are integrated into every facet of peace efforts, creating communities that are not only inclusive but also resilient. Thanks to the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for their invaluable support in making this initiative possible. #WomensPeaceSecurity #UN1325 #EmpowerHer #Peacebuilding CARE Deutschland e.V. Kadry Furany Ruaa Dhiaa Habib Sara Mohamed, MPEd, PMP®

'The effects of war and conflict on women and girls are worsening. In 2023, the proportion of women killed in armed conflicts doubled compared to 2022. Four out of every ten people who died as a result of conflict in 2023 were women. UN-verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence increased by 50 per cent'. Breaking down the statistics, it could be more women are killed as more women are combatants, (and how many of those cases are men?) while it doesn't make the numbers better, it changes the narrative from victim to agent. But generally the report as a whole brings into question what exactly are we doing on WPS and maybe we need to reshape how we serve WPS in the future.

⏰Deliver on your promises! 📣We are among the 628 civil society signatories from 110 countries that signed an open letter calling on the UN Security Council and UN member states to take decisive action in 10 areas ⬇️ to protect women's rights in conflicts around the globe. ☮Ahead of this year’s annual Open Debate on women, peace and security (WPS) and next year's 25th anniversary of UN Resolution 1325, women and girls in conflicts and crises around the world will be looking to the international community to deliver on 25 years of promises! ❗️The letter calls on the UNSCR and member states to: 1. Prevent, avert and end conflict. 2. Reform the Security Council.  3. Stop arms transfers when they may be used to commit acts of gender-based violence. 4. Defend women’s human rights.  5. Advance reproductive justice. 6. Insist on women at the table.  7. Support principled humanitarian action.  8. Demand justice and accountability. 9. Stand with feminist movements. 10. Fund peace, not war. #womenpeaceandsecurity #UNSCR1325 #feminist #peace #peacenotwar #ReproductiveRightsAreHumanRights #GenderJustice 

🚨Women hold only 27% of parliamentary seats and just 16% of peace negotiator roles globally.    The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (#CEDAW), puts 50:50 parity at the centre of their 40th General Recommendation, calling for women’s equal and inclusive representation in decision-making. 💪   👉 True parity will transform economies, peace processes, and responses to global challenges. https://lnkd.in/ep2atCEw

I am pleased to share that my latest article on the conflict in Sudan has been published. The article delves into the devastating struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which has tragically claimed over 13,000 lives and displaced around 9 million people by January 2024. The crisis has caused severe economic instability and a collapse of essential services, disproportionately affecting women and girls. In the article, I highlight the urgent need for intervention by the African Union (AU), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and other regional bodies to initiate and sustain peace talks. A key focus is on the critical role of women in the peace process. Involving women at all levels, from leadership to grassroots, is essential for achieving sustainable peace and justice. The formation of the Peace for Sudan Platform by women-led organizations is a beacon of hope for accountability and inclusive dialogue. Education is also emphasized as a powerful tool for disrupting harmful war narratives and preventing future conflicts. Educating girls and women can play a crucial role in fostering a more peaceful and equitable society. Let’s continue to advocate for peace and support efforts that elevate the voices of women in peacemaking. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/du_GVAvK #SudanConflict #Peacebuilding #GenderEquality #WomensRights #AU #COMESA #EducationForPeace #HumanRights #SustainablePeace

UN’s Blind Spot: The Gendered Toll of Conflict Every time I read a UN report on women, children, and refugees, I ask: Where was the UN during these conflicts, the wars, the climate disasters? They have the budgets, data, and capacity to monitor—but their reports continue to fail to identify and categorize women’s experiences as civilian casualties or targets of violence. The recent UN report on Women, Peace, and Security is dire. In 2023, the proportion of women killed in armed conflicts doubled. Four in ten casualties are now women, and verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence rose by 50%. Amidst the data, a bleak reality emerges: the protective frameworks meant to safeguard women are disregarded, and international laws fail to deliver meaningful protection. For years, the UN has committed to integrating women into peace and security processes. Yet, in 2023, women made up less than 10% of peace negotiators. Studies consistently show that peace agreements involving women last longer and more effectively. Despite this, peace processes remain male-dominated, dismissing women's critical role in creating lasting stability. One of the greatest challenges identified in the report is the disparity in funding: global military expenditures reached a record $2.44 trillion. At the same time, investments in gender-based violence prevention and response remain underfunded, averaging less than 1% of humanitarian spending. The so-called "War on Women" extends far beyond conflict zones. This is not just a systemic failure; it’s a global accountability crisis. The institutions meant to protect women sideline women's experiences, voices, and solutions. We need bold political action and reallocated funding to prioritize women's roles in peacebuilding and security. Without this shift, peace will remain elusive, and the world will continue to fail half of its population.