Women’s participation in peace and security is crucial to achieving sustainable solutions to conflict, and to preventing new conflicts from emerging. In 2000, the UN Security Council passed resolution 1325 on women, peace and security; the landmark resolution recognises the impact of conflict on women and calls on member states to ensure women’s equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. It urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspective in all areas of peace building.

Through our Gender Affairs Office, and with guidance and support from the Gender Unit of the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support, UNFICYP facilitates discussions, activities and advocacy aimed at increasing women’s participation in the Cyprus peace process and more broadly, supports efforts to boost gender equality on the island.