In the past 50 years, gender equality and women’s empowerment have come a long way in changes. Evidence suggests that when women are involved in formal peace processes, the agreements are more inclusive, the welfare of both male and female combatants is considered, and better peace outcomes result. In the more than 20 years since the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security was announced, more women have been involved in formal peace processes. At the same time, the implementation of electoral gender quotas has led to an increase in the number of women who are elected as representatives of their communities, from grassroots initiatives to national law-making bodies. Having more elected women involved in shaping the law has, in some instances, also resulted in more gender-sensitive policies.

Other advances towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in the past few years include global improvements in school enrollment, maternal and child health, and women’s participation in labor markets. Women are disproportionately affected by the proliferation and use of weapons. While men are overwhelmingly responsible for the misuse of small arms and account for 84 percent of violent deaths, including homicides and in armed conflicts, every two hours a woman dies due to gender-based domestic and sexual violence, we need a new social contract that ensures women’s equal and meaningful participation at the forefront of peace, security and humanitarian action, not only to protect women’s rights and dignity but also to ensure that they are key actors in building and sustaining peace.