Chapter Holds Virtual Conference on Women, Armed Forces and Resolution 1325
In May, the chapter's Women in AFCEA group held the conference, "Women, Armed Forces and Resolution 1325: Women, Peace and Security of the United Nations Security Council (WPS UNSC).'
In October 2020, the United Nations commemorated the twentieth anniversary of what constitutes an important milestone in the international arena: Security Council Resolution 1325. The document outlines the importance of understanding the impact of armed conflict on women and girls while ensuring their protection and full participation in peace agreements.
It is the first resolution of the United Nations recognizing the disproportionate and unique effect that armed conflict causes to women and girls. It highlights the key role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, which is different from that suffered by men and boys, and in the construction and consolidation of peace.
In addition, the resolution urges the member states and the United Nations organization itself to promote the representation of women at all levels of decision-making related to the prevention, management, resolution of conflicts, processes, negotiations and peace missions on the ground, as well as incorporating a gender perspective that takes into account the needs of women and girls during all phases of prevention, conflict and post-conflict. It also encourages respect for the rights of women and girls and condemns gender-based violence.
Resolution 1325 has generated awareness and a general consensus regarding gender as an essential element contributing to international peace and security. Likewise, it recognizes the rights of women to participate on an equal footing with men in the promotion and construction of peace. It highlights women's effective contribution to achieving and consolidating a lasting and sustainable peace.
Referring to Resolution 1325 of the United Nations Security Council on Women, Peace and Security (2000), the Ministry of Women of Paraguay maintains its commitment to the implementation of the mandates of the agenda of Resolution 1325, especially with their full and meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
Event Video:
Event Photographs:
In May, during the "Women, Armed Forces and Resolution 1325" conference, members discuss the highlights of the resolution. (First line, from I to r) Maria Gloria Báez, moderator, Ministry of Women of Paraguay; Celina Lezcano, Minister of Women Paraguay; Luciano José Penna, Inter-American Defense Board; and María Dolores Santos, chapter president. (Second line from I to r) Gladys Ruiz Vda De Pecci, vice minister of National Defense Paraguay; Maria Andrea Cardenas Hidalgo; Col. EP Lourdes Barriga Abarca, Army of Peru; and Ivana Ferreira Costa, Army Brazil. (Third line, from I to r) Rut Cidoncha, NGO Court of Children and Women, Spain; Mónica Méndez, political scientist; Fabiana Sofia Perera, professor, William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies; and Denisse Szmigiel, U.S. Army.
Coordinators for the May event include Vincenzo Vitiello, chair, AFCEA International Outreach Subcommittee, and Juan Carlos Fondevila, regional vice president for South America.
Sponsors for the May event include: (from l to r) Ministry of Women of Paraguay, Inter-American Defense Board - IADB, Peruvian Army War College, William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies - Paraguay Chapter, and AFCEA International - Ecuador Chapter.
