THE INITIATIVE FOR INCLUSIVE SECURITY

http://www.womenwagingpeace.net/

For Immediate Release                
March 10, 2005        
Contact:  Katie Elbert 
katie_elbert@huntalternatives.org                                 

Inclusive Security:  Empowering Women in Emerging Democracies
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Leading Ministry Officials invite
Inclusive Security to Conduct Workshops in Liberia, Afghanistan, Bosnia

WASHINGTON, DC

 

Sessions, to be held at the end of March, will provide male and female officials with the necessary tools to advocate for policies that equally incorporate the perspectives and expertise of women in governance and society.  

Although the status of women in Afghanistan has improved since the ousting of the Taliban, conservatives have re-instituted constraints, and the commitment to women’s empowerment lags.  Impoverished Liberia is still facing major human rights problems as it struggles to deal with the aftermath of 14 years of conflict.

“Over the past seven years, Inclusive Security has traveled to more than a dozen post-conflict nations to work with women leaders in emerging democracies,” said Ambassador Swanee Hunt.  “These consultations contributed to more women running for government positions in new democratic elections, significant numbers of women experts involved in the drafting of legislation, and women having a greater impact on discourse and decisions at all levels of government.

“Countries that fail to recognize and capitalize on the expertise of women are not only excluding half of their population, but they are undermining their potential to become more stable, prosperous nations.

“For successful post-conflict reconstruction, leaders throughout the world need to appreciate women’s political empowerment as central to reform and democratization.  It is imperative that women leaders are equipped with the necessary skills to successfully advocate for their rights and ensure their place in governance structures,” Ambassador Hunt concluded.  

The Initiative for Inclusive Security, a program of Hunt Alternatives Fund, advocates for the full participation of all stakeholders, especially women, in peace processes.  Creating sustainable peace is achieved best by a diverse, citizen-driven approach.  Of the many sectors of society currently excluded from peace processes, none is larger—or more critical to success—than women.  Since 1999, Inclusive Security has connected more than 400 women experts with over 3,000 policy shapers to collaborate on fresh, workable solutions to long-standing conflicts across the globe. http://www.womenwagingpeace.net/