WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY
Within the framework of this axis, the IV edition of the World Forum on Cities and Territories of Peace will address two central themes: systematic violence against women in cities, and women’s political participation in peace building. It is essential to promote gender equity, ensure women’s safety and promote learning and empowerment, important steps towards more just, inclusive and peaceful societies.
Gender-based violence in cities is a manifestation of inequality and discrimination rooted in social and cultural structures. By speaking out on this issue, cities can raise awareness, generate dialogue and promote the adoption of concrete measures to prevent and address violence against women. In addition, by sharing experiences and best practices, cities can strengthen their responses, implement effective policies, and improve protection and support for women who have been victims of violence.
Spaces for discussion
Objectives
Topics and issues
Spaces for discussion
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Within this thematic axis, the Forum will promote the following discussion spaces with mayors, women mayors, experts and strategic sectors:
• Conversatory: Systematic violence against women in cities.
• Laboratories:
a. Coalitions and political participation among women to get involved in peace-building processes; and
b. Combating violence against women at the local level.
Objectives
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• To make systematic violence visible.
To discuss the problems and raise awareness about their existence and harmful effects.
• Share strategies and solutions.
The exchange of experiences among women from different contexts allows the identification of effective strategies and innovative solutions to address systematic violence. Each context can offer different approaches to local realities.
• Strengthen women’s political participation.
Women’s active participation in decision-making processes is essential to achieving lasting and sustainable peace. When talking about women’s political participation in peacebuilding, we seek to highlight the importance of their inclusion at all levels of decision-making, from the local to the national and international levels. This implies promoting the presence of women in leadership positions, guaranteeing their equitable representation in political spaces, and providing them with resources and support so that they can participate effectively.
• Promoting social and policy change.
By discussing systematic violence and political participation, we seek to challenge the social norms and structures that perpetuate gender inequality and violence against women. These dialogues can encourage critical reflection, promote attitudinal and behavioral change, and advocate for more inclusive and protective policies and laws. The ultimate goal is to transform societies to be more equitable and just, where women have equal opportunities and are active agents in building peace.
Topics and issues
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• Gender equity. Dialogue on women, peace and security in an inter-city forum allows for addressing the inequalities and discrimination faced by women in different contexts, including gender-based violence, lack of access to resources and opportunities, and political and social exclusion. By discussing these issues, it seeks to promote gender equality and ensure that women have the same opportunities and rights as men.
• Peacebuilding. Women play a critical role in building and maintaining peace in their communities and societies. Engaging women in decision-making processes related to peace and security is essential to achieving sustainable and lasting solutions. The city-to-city forum provides a space to exchange experiences and best practices in this area, thereby strengthening peacebuilding efforts and contributing to the stability and development of communities.
• Women’s security. Women often face specific challenges in terms of security, including gender-based violence, human trafficking, sexual exploitation and forced recruitment. Discussing these issues in this city-to-city forum allows for the sharing of information and strategies to effectively address these forms of violence and protect women’s rights and safety. In addition, mechanisms for cooperation and collaboration between cities can be established to prevent and respond to these threats.
• Learning and empowerment. The exchange of knowledge and experiences between cities is an invaluable opportunity for learning and empowerment. By discussing women, peace and security, good practices, successful strategies and lessons learned in different contexts can be identified and disseminated. This strengthens the capacity of cities to address challenges related to gender equality and women’s security, fostering innovation and progress in this field.
Other thematic axes
TERRITORIAL PEACE
ENVIRONMENTAL PEACE
TRANSITION TOWARDS CITIZENSHIP OF PEACE
A NEW SOCIAL CONTRACT FOR THE CITIZEN
Main links
Social networks
Contact
Adress:
Cr 8 # 10-65
High Counselor’s Office for Peace, Victims and Reconciliation
District Office of International Relations
E-mail:
[email protected]
