Norway intensifies efforts to promote Women, Peace and Security

Prime Minister Erna Solberg presented the action plan in Oslo, together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende, Minister of Defence Ine Eriksen Søreide, Minister of Justice and Public Security Anders Anundsen, and Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion Solveig Horne. 

‘Despite the growing focus on the situation of women in conflict-affected countries, women are still being killed, or they are being forced to flee their homes, subjected to sexual abuse, or they suffer from hunger and are in need of assistance. Women are prevented from taking part in society and in peace negotiations. It is essential that women are able to influence the decisions that affect their future,’ said Ms Solberg. 

This year marks 15 years since the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, which has been followed by an additional six resolutions. The Norwegian action plan is the Government’s tool for helping to ensure that the resolutions are complied with in practice. 

‘It is important for me to emphasise that men bear just as much responsibility as women for ensuring that the needs of both genders are met in processes relating to peace and security. The active participation of men and women in society is also important for preventing and combating radicalisation,’ said Ms Solberg. 

The Government will work systematically to promote women’s participation in peace processes, improve training on how women’s humanitarian and security needs can be met, and help ensure that women’s economic and political status and legal rights are given more emphasis in peacebuilding processes.

Combating sexual violence will be a recurrent theme in all these areas. The Government will give particular priority to efforts in Afghanistan, Colombia, Myanmar, Palestine and South Sudan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will lead this work and present annual reports on the implementation of the action plan.