Background

World YWCA stands in solidarity with and is committed to the UNSCR 1325 [1]. We know that war, conflict, and violence impacts women, young women and girls differently. In times of conflict and instability, there is severe risk of sexual violence, abuse, displacement, increased poverty and trauma. Especially for girls, young women and women, issues and realities of gender inequality, disproportionate negative health outcomes, injustice and limited education access are exacerbated. 

Women do not start wars, but they do suffer its worst consequences. Active participation of women and young women is a major key to relevant action and effective implementation of peace processes- Women are vital to building peace that is not just inclusive and effective but sustainable and long lasting.

COVID-19 has highlighted that while a global pandemic affects every person indiscriminately, the impact on the most vulnerable in our society, clubbed with the world’s injustices, is extremely different. Women, young women, and girls who live in countries affected by armed conflicts, injustices, and war face unique and exacerbated challenges in parallel with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. 

In their unique context all over the world and as part of a dynamic movement, YWCA leaders constantly mobilise to work on issues of peace, conflict resolution, and anti-violence, alongside critical leadership, advocacy, and community response work. Peacebuilding and advocacy efforts and actions promoted by YWCA leaders are aligned to a number of United Nations Resolutions and to Goal 16 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals #GlobalGoals  that calls to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies. 

If you missed our panels, you can watch the recordings by clicking on the links below.

Panels recordings:

Documentary, ‘Voices of Hope, Actions for Peace, Women Driving Peace and Justice:

The World YWCA’s new documentary, ‘Voices of Hope, Actions for Peace, Women Driving Peace and Justice,’ was launched as part of the #BulletAndDove initiative during the opening of Geneva Peace Week 2023. In a world where young women’s voices are too often silenced, we stand together, recognizing that every voice, every story, contributes to peace and justice. Beyond numbers, beyond names – this narrative aims to reveal the profound power of women and young women’s leadership, resilience, and action in driving peace and pushing for justice. In this short documentary, we amplify the voices of women and young women leading change in conflict-torn and post-conflict zones. We believe that their leadership is essential to promoting non-violence and achieving lasting peace and justice. Through insightful interviews, we shed light on the challenges faced by several women and young women leaders in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Iraq, Ukraine, and Palestine. Zooming in on their experiences, we capture poignant moments, where discussions explore peace, justice, and SGBV themes. With a keen eye on the underrepresented, under-recognized, or often marginalized, we unravel new emerging threats in a world where digital trolling has a high impact on vulnerable communities, particularly on their mental health.

Resources

Infographics:

Women, War and Gender Based Violence

A Global Movement to Respond to Global Crises

We Stand Resolute. Since 1855, 40 Peace and Security Resolutions

Peace podcasts:

‘Solidarity. Womanhood. Peace.’

Happy listening! 

[1] The UN Security Council resolution 1325 urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts. It also calls on all parties to conflict to take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, in situations of armed conflict.