IN a compelling address to the UN Security Council on October 24, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, emphasised the urgent need for women’s inclusion in global peace-building processes, especially in the light of escalating violence and human rights abuses affecting women in conflict zones.

At the Security Council opened the debate on Women, Peace, and Security, themed “Women Building Peace in a Changing Environment,” Rodrigues-Birkett joined international leaders, including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed and UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, in recognising the underrepresentation of women in peace processes nearly 25 years after the adoption of Resolution 1325.

“Despite the understanding that when women are part of peace processes, outcomes improve, the transformative potential of women’s leadership in peace remains largely unrealised,” stated Rodrigues-Birkett.
She highlighted alarming statistics from the Secretary-General’s report showing the growing toll on women in conflict zones, where, in 2023 alone, the number of women killed in armed conflicts has doubled, cases of conflict-related sexual violence have risen by 50 per cent and the impact of conflict on girls has surged by 35 per cent.

Rodrigues-Birkett pointed to devastating conditions in countries such as Afghanistan, Sudan, and Gaza, where women are enduring extreme violence and severe restrictions.
“In Gaza, despite forced displacement and unsafe shelter conditions, women are organising and participating in decision-making through UNRWA-established committees,” she noted. These grassroots efforts, she added, are a testament to women’s resilience, but underscore the need for global support and protection.

The ambassador called for substantial actions to mark the upcoming 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325 and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, urging that these milestones be used to provide tangible resources, political backing, and active roles for women in peace initiatives. “Peace will never be sustainable without the participation of half of those who should benefit from it—women,” she emphasised, urging that women from conflict-affected nations such as Afghanistan and Sudan be integral to peace negotiations and diplomatic initiatives.
Rodrigues-Birkett further called for targetted political measures to advance women’s roles in peace and security, including implementing quotas, parity requirements, and legislation to protect women from violence and harassment, both offline and online. “Women must not be seen only as victims, but also as active participants and decision-makers in building peace,” she stated, emphasising that inclusive participation is crucial for sustainable peace.

Citing Colombia’s efforts, where women now make up 50 per cent of the government’s negotiators in peace negotiations, she urged nations to adopt best practices that ensure equal and meaningful participation for women in peace-building.
Rodrigues-Birkett concluded with a call to action for the international community to strengthen its commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, advocating for a global shift that honours women’s essential role in achieving sustainable peace and security.