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Key Points

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern that progress on women's roles in peace and security has stalled after 25 years. He highlighted alarming trends including rising sexual violence against girls and underfunded women-led organizations in conflict areas. The UN chief noted that 676 million women now live near deadly conflicts, the highest number in decades. Guterres called for measurable change with more women shaping peace agreements and accessing justice services.

Key Points: UN Chief Guterres Regrets Women Peace Security Agenda Stagnation

  • UN chief warns women's peace gains are reversing after 25 years of Resolution 1325
  • Sexual violence against girls surged by 35 percent with rising impunity
  • 90 percent of women-led conflict groups face financial distress and potential shutdown
  • 676 million women lived near deadly conflicts last year, highest in decades
  • Maternal mortality rises in crisis zones as girls are pulled from schools
2 min read

UN chief regrets lack of progress in women, peace and security agenda

UN Secretary-General warns women's peace gains are reversing after 25 years, citing rising sexual violence and underfunded women-led organizations in conflict zones.

"Too often, we gather in rooms like this one -- full of conviction and commitment -- only to fall short when it comes to real change - Antonio Guterres"

United Nations, Oct 7

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regretted the lack of progress in the women, peace and security agenda.

"Too often, we gather in rooms like this one -- full of conviction and commitment -- only to fall short when it comes to real change in the lives of women and girls caught in conflict," he told an annual open debate of the Security Council on women, peace and security, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We speak of inclusion, yet far too frequently women remain absent from negotiating tables. We speak of protection, yet sexual violence persists with impunity. We speak of leadership, yet women peacebuilders are underfunded, under threat, and under-recognized," he said. "And we all lose -- women and men, girls and boys."

Twenty-five years since Security Council Resolution 1325 on the women, peace and security agenda was adopted, gains are fragile and -- very worryingly -- going in reverse, he warned.

Around the globe, there are troubling trends in military spending, more armed conflicts, and more shocking brutality against women and girls, he noted.

Last year, 676 million women lived within 50 km of deadly conflict events, the highest number in decades. Sexual violence surged, with documented incidents against girls rising by 35 percent. In some places, alarmingly, girls accounted for nearly half of all victims. Maternal mortality is rising in crisis zones. Girls are being pulled from school. Women in public life -- politicians, journalists, human rights defenders -- are targeted with violence and harassment, he said.

While women's organizations remain lifelines for millions in crisis, they are being starved of resources. In a survey conducted by UN Women just a few months ago, 90 percent of local women-led groups in conflict settings reported financial distress. Nearly half expected to shut down within six months, said Guterres.

The women, peace and security agenda must deliver measurable change: more women shaping peace agreements, security reforms and recovery plans; more survivors accessing services and justice; more communities drawing from the vitality and strength of all their people, he said.

"Resolution 1325 is clear: women are leaders of peace for all. The world does not need more reminders of that truth -- it needs more results that reflect it," said Guterres.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the UN chief's concern, I wish our own government would take stronger action. We talk about women empowerment but when it comes to actual implementation, we're lagging behind. More budget allocation for women-led organizations is needed.
S
Sarah B
As someone working with NGOs in conflict areas, I've seen firsthand how women's groups are struggling for funding. The 90% financial distress statistic is alarming. These organizations are doing incredible work with minimal resources.
A
Arjun K
The part about women being absent from negotiating tables is so true. In our peace processes, women's voices are often missing. We need to ensure proper representation at all levels - from local panchayats to international negotiations.
M
Meera T
It's disappointing that after 25 years, we're going backwards. The 35% increase in violence against girls is terrifying. We need stronger laws and better implementation. Education and awareness are key 🔑
D
David E
While the UN's concerns are valid, I wonder if we're focusing too much on international frameworks and not enough on grassroots change. Real progress happens when communities embrace gender equality, not just when governments sign resolutions.
K
Kavya N
The fact that nearly half of women-led organizations might shut down within six months is a crisis!

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