Women, Peace & Security Handbook - 2nd Edition

For the 12th anniversary of 1325, PeaceWomen launched the Second Edition of the ‘Women, Peace and Security Handbook,’ which examines the degree to which the Security Council has internalised the thematic agenda of women, peace and security in its geographic work over the past 12 years, specifically in the Council’s country-specific resolutions. The Second Edition builds upon the work of PeaceWomen's 2010 Handbook, which can be downloaded here.

Divided into twelve thematic chapters, the Second Edition of the Women, Peace and Security Handbook is a reference guide for both progress made and action to be taken on the Women, Peace and Security agenda. The analysis assesses the consistency with which Council resolutions reflect the language and intent of SCR 1325. Good practice extracts from resolutions are presented and critical recommendations are made.

This Handbook is a call to action and a sincere effort to enhance the implementation of the Women, peace and security agenda. The recommendations call for the incorporation of more comprehensive language on women and gender in future country-specific resolutions.

Direct Link: Women, Peace and Security Handbook: Second Edition [PDF, 14MB]

Chapter 1: Conflict Prevention

· The Conflict Prevention theme focuses on the incorporation of a gender perspective and the participation of women in preventing the emergence, spread, and re-emergence of violent conflict. Women’s active role in conflict prevention is crucial to international peace and security.

Chapter 2: Peacekeeping

· The Peacekeeping theme focuses on a gendered approach to multi-dimensional peacekeeping missions, predominantly through gender mainstreaming of peace support operations and the increase of female recruitment in peacekeeping, military, and police.

Chapter 3: Protection

· The Protection theme focuses on securing the rights and safety of women and girls during and after conflict. The protection of women must not be separated from women’s agency and participation.

Chapter 4: Participation

· The Participation theme focuses on women’s representation and participation in peace processes, electoral processes (as both candidates and voters), UN decision-making positions, and in the broader social-political sphere.

Chapter 5: Peace Process

The Peace Processes theme concentrates on increasing the representation of women in formal and informal peace processes, and incorporating a gender perspective into peace agreements.

Chapter 6: Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)

· The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) theme focuses on the incidence and prevalence of violence against women in conflict and post-conflict. Polarization of gender roles, proliferation of weapons, militarization, and the breakdown of law affect SGBV.

Chapter 7: Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law

· The Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) theme focuses on mechanisms to respect, protect, and promote women’s rights before, during, and post conflict.

Chapter 8: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)

· The Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) theme concerns sexual and gender-based violence committed by peacekeepers and UN personnel. Sexual exploitation represents a “catastrophic failure of protection.”

Chapter 9: Reconstruction and Peacebuilding

· The Reconstruction and Peacebuilding theme focuses on the application of a gender perspective to peacebuilding. The response of local, national, and international systems to women’s priorities in post-conflict situations can significantly impact stability and development.

Chapter 10: Justice and Security Sector Reform (SSR)

· The Justice and Security Sector Reform theme focuses on the application of a gender into the post-conflict process of reforming security and justice institutions, with the aim of ensuring transparent, accountable and effective services.

Chapter 11: Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration (DDR)

· The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) theme focuses on the importance of a gender perspective and representation of women in DDR planning and implementation.

Chapter 12: Humanitarian Assistance and Displacement

The Humanitarian Assistance and Displacement theme focuses on the rights, concerns, and needs of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations, including those affected by conflict-related displacement.