The identification of women and armed conflict as a critical area of concern in the Beijing Platform For Action (BPFA) has led to a growing awareness of the gender differentiated experience and impact of armed conflict on women and men. In particular, the BPFA sought to increase the participation of women in conflict resolution at decision-making levels; reduce military expenditures and control availability of armaments; reduce human rights abuses in conflict situations; promote women’s contributions in support of a culture of peace; and provide protection to displaced and refugee women.

Five years later, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on women, peace and security in October 2000. UNSCR 1325 mandates member states,
inter alia, to involve women at decision-making level in all aspects of peace building, peace making and security concerns.

Full article available at DAWN Informs June 2010 issue.

Click the Downloadable file to read the article:  BPFA and UNSCR 1325, 1820 and 1888