United Nations Security Council Annual Open Debate on

“Women’s participation in International Peace and Security from theory to Practice”

(26 October 2023)

Mr President,

At the outset, let me thank Brazil for convening this important open debate on the very crucial subject of Women’s participation in International Peace and Security.

Mr. President,

Women are agents of social change and social cohesion. It is now universally acknowledged that achievement of gender equality and empowerment of women, are critical factors in maintaining international peace and security. Sustainable peace requires an integrated approach based on coherence between the pillars of security, development, human rights and rule of law and equality.

In this context, UNSC Resolution 1325 was path-breaking as for the first-time, it linked gender equality and the maintenance of international peace and security. It also recognized women’s participation as being a key to resolving conflicts and securing peace.

Mr. President,

Over the years, we have seen a strengthening of the normative framework of the WPS agenda. However, despite that, women are still routinely under-represented in peace processes, political dialogues, and peacebuilding. The gender perspective is still neglected in conflict prevention, recovery, and reconstruction. For example, out of approximately 95,000 peacekeepers, women constitute only 4.8% of military contingents and 10.9% of formed police units in UN Peacekeeping missions. It is essential, that we increase the representation of female peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping operations to order to achieve sustainable peace and the improved well-being of women and girls in conflict-affected regions.

Mr. President,

As the UN’s fifth largest troop contributor, India created history in 2007 by deploying the first-ever all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) for UN Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia.

Indian female peacekeepers are playing an important mentoring role to prevent conflict-related sexual violence. We are proud that Major Suman Gawani, was awarded the UN Military Gender advocate for the year 2019.

India was the first country to contribute to the Secretary-General's Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and signed the voluntary compact on SEA with the Secretary-General in 2017.

Mr. President,

We believe that enhanced participation of women is crucial in ensuring peace and security in society. With this in mind, women in India are being encouraged to be at the forefront of community mobilization and public-government interface.

In September this year, India took a historic step towards gender equality, when the Indian parliament passed the Women’s Reservation Bill to reserve one third of all seats in National and State legislatures for women. Women of India now stand empowered more than ever to participate in all political decision-making processes at the national, regional and local levels, thereby fulfilling the vision of women-led development

In conclusion, India stands fully committed to contribute and implement the UN Agenda on women, peace and security.

I Thank You.