OSCE Special Monitoring Mission and Project Co-Ordinator in Ukraine: Inclusion of women’s perspectives is key to peace and security agenda

KYIV, 2 November 2021 - The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) and OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (PCU), mark the 21st anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognizes the important roles of women and girls in peace and security efforts, and calls for their increased and meaningful participation in related decision-making processes.

“The observations made by the SMM in its latest thematic report on gender illustrate the many and varied roles of women in relation to the peace and security agenda in Ukraine. Women are key contributors in addressing conflict-related issues, identifying and supporting the needs of conflict-affected populations, and promoting peace by fostering dialogue and social cohesion,” said Halit Çevik, Chief Monitor of the OSCE SMM to Ukraine.

“Whereas women’s participation in many spheres of peace and security remains limited, expansion of opportunities for them is a key priority for OSCE projects in Ukraine. It is also very important to take into account the various needs women and men have in the planning and delivery of assistance,” said Henrik Villadsen, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

The Project Co-ordinator emphasized that the role of women in humanitarian demining can actively contribute to making communities safer, whilst inclusion of women’s perspectives into such operations ensures better clearance of the affected lands.

The SMM and PCU remain committed to including a gender perspective in their activities, contributing to a deeper understanding of women and girls’ experiences, needs and ideas for peace and security in Ukraine.