GPPAC at CSW63: Breaking the Barriers for Gender Equality

GPPAC was in New York! From 11-16 March, we attended the sixty-third session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63).

The priority theme for CSW63, social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, presented an opportunity to highlight ways in which the peace, development, and humanitarian nexus can work to remove barriers and accelerate progress for gender equality through establishing gender-sensitive systems, services, and infrastructures. Recognising the importance of holistic approaches to peace through prevention and inclusive processes, the international community has begun shifting its focus.

The prevalence of armed conflicts and natural disasters frequently leave women and children, especially girls, to survive without basic services and systems, the loss of which leaves women more vulnerable in addition to affecting their empowerment potential and ability to contribute to conflict and atrocity prevention and build sustainable peace in their communities. Moreover, the particular needs and roles of diverse young women and girls are rarely addressed, especially if they are coming from marginalised communities. Research and women's lived experiences show that gender equality is linked to inclusive human security and that when women and girls are empowered and have access to the services they need, states are more peaceful and communities are safer.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung New York, the International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect (ICRtoP), and the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC), working in partnership within the Prevention Up Front (PuF) Alliance, are organising a panel discussion, ‘Infrastructure for Gender Equality: Putting Prevention Up Front.’

The interactive panel will feature gender experts from around the world and will set out to promote a gender inclusive human security approach, including security sector governance, showcase the applicability of an early warning – early response mechanism, and communicate the peace, development and humanitarian nexus using innovative peacebuilding practices. The event will build on the outcomes of CSW62 and on the agreed language of the Beijing Platform for Action, particularly Section E on Women in Armed Conflict.

For more information, read our concept note. If you want to attend the side event, find more information about registering here.