9 Oct 2015

Pacific women launch policy for peace

2:50 pm on 9 October 2015

A new report being launched today in Fiji is calling for a more central role for Pacific women in policy and decision-making.

The Executive Director of FemLINKPACIFIC says the Policy for Peace report compiles the recommendations of Pacific women leaders for peace, security and gender parity.

Sharon Bhagwan Rolls says the policy initiative aligns these visions with international instruments such as the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which looks at the impact of war on women and recognises the important role women play in managing and resolving conflict and achieving sustainable peace.

"We should no longer just say we are peace builders and that is it. We need to be actively involved in the decision-making and whether that is in your home, whether that is in your village community your local centre or whether it is in national parliament participation is so closely linked to peace."

Sharon Bhagwan Rolls says the report launch coincides with the 15th anniversary and review of UNSC resolution 1325.

Tuvalu women

Call for bigger role for women in decision-making Photo: AFP