Norway Government Intensifies Efforts to Increase Women’s Participation in Efforts to Promote Peace and Security

The Norway Government has developed a Norwegian Action Plan to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The Action Plan was launched by Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at an event on 8 March.

The Government intends to intensify its efforts to increase women’s participation in civil and military peace operations, mediation and peacebuilding, as well as to strengthen the protection of women’s human rights in conflict areas. The action plan has been developed by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Justice and the Police, and Children and Equality.

Finance Minister Kristin Halvorsen opened the launch event and Defence Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen spoke about the action plan’s relevance to defence matters. International Development Minister Erik Solheim and Minister of Children and Equality Karita Bekkemellem also took part.

Finland’s former Defence Minister, Elisabeth Rehn, was the event’s guest of honour. Ms Rehn co-authored the UN report “Women, War, Peace. The Independent Experts’ Assessment” on the impact of armed conflict on women and their role in war- and conflict areas, with Liberia’s current president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

The implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 is in keeping with Norway’s commitment to promoting global security, peace and justice, as set out in the Government’s policy platform.

The Norwegian action plan will be translated into English.

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