World YWCA’s #BulletAndDove Panel

From Solidarity and Peace Resolutions to Reality on the Ground

Watch the Panel:

In this first edition of the #BulletAndDove panels, we discussed:

• dive deeper to understand the contexts, stories, and realities on the ground of Palestine, Armenia, and Japan, while elaborating on peacebuilding and advocacy efforts led by #YWCAleaders.
• address the role that solidarity and resolutions play in this work, and which concrete actions can be taken to meaningfully contribute to peacebuilding efforts driven by communities affected by violence, conflict, and war.

Background

World YWCA stands in solidarity with and is committed to the UNSCR 1325 [1]. We know that war, conflict, and violence impacts women, young women and girls differently. In times of conflict and instability, there is severe risk of sexual violence, abuse, displacement, increased poverty and trauma. Especially for girls, young women and women, issues and realities of gender inequality, disproportionate negative health outcomes, injustice and limited education access are exacerbated. 

Women do not start wars, but they do suffer its worst consequences. Active participation of women and young women is a major key to relevant action and effective implementation of peace processes- Women are vital to building peace that is not just inclusive and effective but sustainable and long lasting.

COVID-19 has highlighted that while a global pandemic affects every person indiscriminately, the impact on the most vulnerable in our society, clubbed with the world’s injustices, is extremely different. Women, young women, and girls who live in countries affected by armed conflicts, injustices, and war face unique and exacerbated challenges in parallel with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. 

In their unique context all over the world and as part of a dynamic movement, YWCA leaders constantly mobilise to work on issues of peace, conflict resolution, and anti-violence, alongside critical leadership, advocacy, and community response work. Peacebuilding and advocacy efforts and actions promoted by YWCA leaders are aligned to a number of United Nations Resolutions and to Goal 16 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals #GlobalGoals  that calls to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies. 

Resources

Infographics:

Women, War and Gender Based Violence

A Global Movement to Respond to Global Crises

We Stand Resolute. Since 1855, 40 Peace and Security Resolutions

Peace podcasts:

‘Solidarity. Womanhood. Peace.’

Happy listening! 

[1] The UN Security Council resolution 1325 urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts. It also calls on all parties to conflict to take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, in situations of armed conflict.