VIENNA, 28 September 2022 – The role of women in peace and security was the focus of today’s Forum for Security Co-operation meeting hosted by Belgium. Delivering remarks to the Forum, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib emphasised the importance of this issue.

Since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security in 2000, 103 countries enacted national action plans on women and peace and security, including 43 OSCE participating States. At the OSCE, this information is exchanged voluntarily among participating States. Belgium is at the forefront of this issue. In February, the country adopted a fourth national action plan on “Women, peace and security” (2022-2026).

“While the Women, Peace and Security Agenda will soon celebrate its 22nd anniversary, it remains as relevant as ever and much more needs to be done,” said Lahbib. “Despite all our efforts, we, the international community, are still far from achieving the goals we set out for ourselves over two decades ago, at the expense of women and girls in conflict situations.”

Lahbib also drew attention to the continuing effect that the ongoing war against Ukraine has on women and girls, and how this must be addressed.

“It is important to recognize that armed conflict has a different impact on women and girls than on men and boys. They are more often victims of gender-based and conflict related sexual violence, as horrifying testimonies from Ukraine illustrate. This is the case both for women and girls fleeing the war, as for those staying behind” she added.

The Minister emphasised the continued importance for the OSCE to incorporate Women, Peace and Security into its comprehensive approach to security. “The Women, Peace and Security Agenda is a priority for Belgium, and one of the many topics which must also be discussed in the Forum for Security Co-operation. Without the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all FSC-related issues, no real comprehensive security can be achieved,” she said.