The SecDev Foundation’s Post

🌍 Celebrating 24 Years of UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security 🌍 Today, on October 31st, we celebrate the 24th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. This landmark resolution acknowledges women as key agents of change and highlights the transformative impact of their inclusion in peace processes—leading to outcomes that are more sustainable and equitable. This September, I had the chance to spend time with a group of very engaged men and women in DRC, who are all working for the MAnU 2.0 programme (including CARE NL, Mensen met een Missie, SPR and diverse Burundian and Congolese organisations) and are dedicated to advancing the national 1325 Action Plans in DRC and Burundi. They were sharing with us inspiring progress about women stepping into leadership roles in their communities, women serving as female mediators and women participating in security meetings. However we know there’s still much more to accomplish, therefor MAnU 2.0. partners are today in Kinshasa to lobby at the national level for the implementation of the national gender law to ensure more progress for women in DRC can be made. Let’s continue our work towards a world where women’s voices are fully integrated into peace and security frameworks everywhere. #UNSCR1325 #WomenPeaceSecurity #MAnU2.0 #GenderEquality

https://lnkd.in/gyVJuJj3 As we look to International Women's Day today, it is crucial that we lament the violence suffered by the women and girls of Palestine. In my latest article, I urge the United Nations to address this issue as part of the International Women's Day agenda. Published today in Malaysiakini.

On the eve of International Women's Day Unfortunately, this year, I will not be celebrating International Women's Day as I am still recovering from the disbelief that so many feminist groups refuse to acknowledge in the days and weeks after the surprise attack in southern Israel that conflict-related sexual violence and torture occurred in at least three locations on October 7, 2023. Three new UN reports detail atrocities in Ethiopia, Haiti, and Ukraine all share the same findings. While the nature of the conflicts in each country differs vastly, the horrifying use of sexual violence to torment civilian populations; punish ethnic, political, or cultural rivals; and assert and maintain control, is present in each case. While the UN has recently acknowledged there is evidence to support the prevalence of sexual violence during the Oct. 7 attacks, feminist groups have yet to speak out about the sexual violence suffered by women and girls on October 7 and by those still held in captivity by Hamas. The whole point of International Women's Day is to see women, to hear them and raise women's voices.

As we enter the week of 𝟭𝟲 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, I want to highlight a crucial aspect of this movement: the importance of men's perspectives and activism in raising awareness and driving change. It's time for men to step up as allies in the fight against gender-based violence.✋🛑 By challenging harmful norms and advocating for equality, we can create a safer world for everyone. One of my previous projects was collaborating with UNDP Türkiye and illustrating impressive quotes from male employees of UNDP Turkey for the #IVERSUSVIOLENCE campaign, with UNDP Turkey Communication Director Faik Uyanık's fantastic leadership and collaboration with UNDP Turkey's Goodwill Ambassador Mert Fırat. These illustrations aim to amplify male voices speaking out against violence and promote a culture of respect and support. How You Can Get Involved: 1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the impact of gender-based violence. 2. Challenge Stereotypes: Speak out against harmful attitudes and behaviors. 3. Support Initiatives: Get involved with organizations working towards ending violence against women. 4. Engage in Conversations: Share your thoughts and experiences to foster dialogue. Take Action Against Violence Against Women! #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #MenAsAllies Project Details: https://lnkd.in/eET-3yGi

**Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Central Africa** Yesterday, during the Central Africa discussion group at the Beijing+30 African Youth Consultation in Addis-Ababa, I had the responsibility to make recommendations on gender-based violence, one of the 12 critical areas of action. ### Key Points Discussed: **1. Violence by State Representatives:** We highlighted the alarming cases of violence committed by state representatives. A notable example is the case of a young girl in Moutourwa who was violated by a uniformed officer, and the case was silenced after the officer was reassigned. It is imperative to establish secure and anonymous reporting mechanisms to ensure victims can seek justice without fear of retribution. **2. Femicide:** The rising number of femicides in Cameroon is deeply concerning. Recent statistics show that over the past few years, cases of femicides have significantly increased. Stronger protective measures and harsher penalties for perpetrators are necessary. **3. Online Violence:** With the advancement of technology, online violence is becoming more prevalent. Women and girls are often victims of cyberbullying, sextortion, and other forms of digital abuse. Developing digital tools to protect users and raising awareness about the risks associated with technology usage are critical steps. ### Our Call to Action: We urge the organizers (African Union, FEMNET, UN Women, NGO CSW, etc.) to allow youth participants to propose small projects or activities within their organizations that address these recommendations. We request that selected proposals receive support in terms of funding, logistics, and communication to ensure their successful implementation. ### Join Us: Support us in making these critical changes. Together, we can transform our recommendations into tangible actions and accelerate progress towards gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in Central Africa. #beijingyouthconsultation #beijing+30 FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network UNFPA WCARO | West and Central Africa United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) UN Women African Union

Conflict-related sexual violence cases reported in Ukraine after the Russian full-scale invasion include rape, threats, electric shocks, genital mutilation, and forced nudity, among other atrocities. The documented incidents reveal a disturbing pattern: sexual violence used as a method of torture during captivity by Russian armed forces and law enforcement authorities. As we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of #SexualViolence in Conflict, we reaffirm our commitment to combating #CRSV and supporting survivors. The challenges are immense, but through coordinated efforts, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by conflict-related sexual violence. The journey toward justice and healing is long, but together, we can create a future where such atrocities are eradicated, and survivors are empowered and supported. #EndCRSV #JusticeForSurvivors

Coming up this Friday 15th of March: a very interesting presentation of research findings and discussion on the challenges, discriminations and violations experienced by trans and intersex individuals while accessing social protection systems (e.g. health services and government benefits) in India and Bangladesh, countries with biometric-based digital IDs

#GADExplorer | Philippine National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2023-2033 The National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAPWPS) is a testament to the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to integrating gender-responsive approaches into the country’s Comprehensive Peace Process. The NAPWPS is not merely a document, but a symbol of our nation’s vision of ensuring that the views, experiences and needs of women are not only heard, but more importantly, woven into the fabric of the nation’s peacebuilding and security initiatives. This ten-year plan is the culmination of the extensive collaborative efforts of our various peace stakeholders. I extend my gratitude to the member-agencies of the National Steering Committee on Women, Peace and Security, civil society organizations, local governments, and sectoral experts whose invaluable input and unwavering dedication have shaped this comprehensive roadmap for women empowerment. The consultative process that was used to create this plan was inclusive and wide-ranging. It symbolizes our commitment to greater gender inclusivity, recognizing that diverse perspectives are essential in crafting robust and effective peacebuilding and development strategies. You may download a copy for 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 on #PCWDigitalGADLibrary at https://lnkd.in/gWwdBeih May tanong tungkol sa GAD? #iSearchaGAD sa https://lnkd.in/dfsxsCeA

Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we reflect on the devastating impact of conflict-related sexual violence #CRSV in Ukraine. The Office of the Prosecutor General reports 298 cases as of June 2024 affecting men, women, and children since the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in 2022.   UNDP in Ukraine teams up with UN Women, UNFPA, and The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC), UN Team of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict and other UN agencies and programmes to address CRSV through a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacities of national justice and government institutions to effectively identify, document and investigate these crimes and provide assistance to the survivors. Our projects include the deployment of national and international experts on CRSV within key government institutions, including the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, the Office of the Government Commissioner for Gender Equality and Policy of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Office of the Prosecutor General, and the National Social Service of Ukraine.   Join us in reaffirming our commitment to combating CRSV and supporting survivors. Together, we can make a difference. Photo credit: EyeEm / Freepik UN Women Europe and Central Asia UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia UNODC IOM Ukraine World Health Organization Ukraine

#NoExcuse for Violence Against Women and Girls Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread human rights violations globally – yet often remains unspoken. At GIZ Lebanon we are committed to raising awareness, providing support, and driving change as part of the 16 Days of Activism. There is no excuse for violence. Now is the time to speak up, listen, and take action. Let’s stand together – for respect, equality, and safety for all. #NoExcuse #16Days #EndViolence #TogetherForChange Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)