Khaberni - United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, issued on October 31, 2000, is among the most significant historical resolutions that the United Nations has adopted regarding the role of women in achieving international peace and security. This resolution marked a fundamental shift in the view of women, not only as victims of armed conflict, but as key actors in peacebuilding and decision-making processes.
This resolution was the result of increasing global awareness of the impact of wars and years of efforts by women's and community organizations around the world, which advocated for recognizing women as active elements in peacebuilding and not just as victims of wars. Many experiences have shown that involving women in peace negotiations increases the chances of sustaining those agreements and promotes social justice.
Resolution 1325 is based on four main pillars: participation, prevention, protection, and relief and recovery.
It calls for the involvement of women in decision-making in the fields of security and politics, urges protection of women from violence in conflict zones, and demands their empowerment to contribute to reconstruction after wars.
Despite more than two decades since its issuance, challenges still exist in its full implementation. Many countries have yet to adopt serious national plans, and social customs and political constraints still limit women's access to decision-making positions. However, some countries have made significant progress, starting to involve women in peacekeeping missions and in conflict resolution negotiations, reflecting the impact of the resolution in reality.
Several Arab countries have begun practical steps to translate the resolution into tangible reality,
In Jordan, the national plan to implement Resolution 1325 was launched in 2017, making it one of the first plans in the region, focusing on empowering women in the armed forces and security agencies, and enhancing their participation in peacekeeping efforts.
Jordan's pioneering experience in continuous national consultations and civil society organizations is outstanding, as Jordan continues through its national plan to work on empowering women and affirming that women's participation is not an option but a necessity for achieving just and lasting peace.
In Iraq, a national plan was prepared aimed at protecting women from the effects of conflicts, especially after the bitter experiences left by terrorism and displacement.
In Lebanon, the government has worked in cooperation with civil society organizations to establish a national framework for implementing the resolution, focusing on the role of women in building local peace and community reconciliation.
The experiences of some of these countries reflect a growing awareness of the importance of integrating women into security and peace issues, but at the same time highlight the need for more political will and financial support to ensure effective and sustainable implementation of the resolution.
This resolution remains a roadmap towards more inclusive and just peace. By empowering women, not only is equality achieved, but real human security is built that reflects the aspirations of the people for a better future.
Dr. Buthaina Mahadin
