Africa: The role of women in peace building processes and post-conflict reconstruction - Call for articles
For decades now, many countries in Africa have been involved in internal and external civil wars and conflicts. It is estimated that there are over 9.5 million refugees and internally displaced persons and thousands of civilians killed. In our last issue of the Our Rights Newsletter, FEMNET would like to focus on key debates around The Role of Women in Peace building Processes and Post-Conflict Reconstruction. Articles should be in English or French, not exceeding 800 words and should be submitted to [email][email protected] [email][email protected] by Monday 19th November 2007.
AFRICAN WOMEN'S DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATION NETWORK (FEMNET)
CALL FOR ARTICLES FOR OUR RIGHTS (JULY- DEC 2007)
THEME: THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN PEACE BUILDING PROCESSES AND POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION For decades now, many countries in Africa have been involved in internal and external civil wars and conflicts. It is estimated that there are over 9.5 million refugees and internally displaced persons and thousands of civilians killed. Although most countries have been engaged in peace processes and agreements, violence has escalated with women and children bearing the worst burden and consequences of the wars. The unanimous passing of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on women, peace and security in October 2000, was a groundbreaking moment for it established a policy framework that recognizes that women have a right to protection and a role to play in maintaining peace and security. Sadly, seven years down the line the role of women in conflict areas continue to be ignored with resistance being experienced when it comes to women's representation in the peace process.
This month on the 23rd October 2007, at the occasion of the UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, UNIFEM's Ag. Executive Director, Ms. Joanne Sandler called on the Security Council to “step up the global response on three key areas: (1) expansion of services for survivors, including provision of health services to treat fistula, HIV infection, and the many forms of physical and psychological trauma that women and girls endure; (2) focusing on transitional justice systems to build capacity to prosecute perpetrators; and above all, (3) finding means to prevent sexual violence from being perpetrated by ensuring that peacekeeping operations make life safe for women and girls.” She added that detailed reporting on the implementation of 1325 and enhancement of the Security Council's capacity and mechanism to monitor gaps and achievements in implementation will contribute to greater security and protection.
Therefore, in our last issue of the Our Rights Newsletter, FEMNET would like to focus on key debates around The Role of Women in Peace building Processes and Post-Conflict Reconstruction. Ideally, we will be interested in, but not limited to articles that highlight:
* Case studies on the implementation of the UNSCR 1325;
* Mainstreaming gender in peace agreements and post-conflict reconstruction processes (i.e. Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Programmes (DDR);
* The role of the media to document women's voices, experiences and strategies in promoting peace in Africa Articles should be in English or French, not exceeding 800 words and should be submitted to [email][email protected] [email][email protected] by Monday 19th November 2007.