If men design peace processes, it will be designed by men for men,’ says Irene Fellin, NATO Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security

 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 26, 2024 – The peace and security space is still dominated by men and it is important to create more political room for women so that they can enhance their role in being mediators of peace, said Irene Fellin, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, today.

Fellin said it is significant that women should have more political voice since mediators and negotiators are chosen based on the political role they play in the society.

“If men design peace processes, it will be designed by men for men,” said Fellin, speaking at a session on `Women Charting Paths to Peace & Security,’ at the Third Global Women’s Forum 2024, which opened in Dubai today.

“We have achieved a conversation and have globally recognised the role of women in peace and security, but there is a general push back,” she said, while pointing to the disproportionate impact women suffer from conflict and war situations which runs into some 170 ongoing situations as per the United Nations.

Apart from physical violence, women are now also victims of online-violence facilitated by technology which works as a dampener for women in the political space.

Advocating for enrolling more women in security and defence, Fellin said this diversity of inclusion will help change the traditional pyramidal peace-making process more circular.

Traditionally peace making is a three-step process with high level political discussions at the top, followed by engaging the civil society and other stakeholders, and women at the lowest rung, even while they are the more resilient members of the community.

To ensure diversity, women should be made co-mediators in peace and security initiatives, she said, adding that to help make this transition, women will have to deal with the current leadership which is men dominated.

“Women have the capacity to look at peace and security initiatives from a holistic approach. We may take longer to find a solution, but once we find it, it will be sustainable and long-standing,” Fellin added.

-ENDS-

 

 

About Dubai Women Establishment

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed as a statutory body of Dubai Government in 2006 under law no. (24) by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE aims to enhance the professional and leadership capabilities of women, increase their participation in the comprehensive development journey, and strengthen their role in shaping the economic and social future of Dubai, by proposing and developing relevant and impactful policies. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of DWE and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. DWE’s strategic plan for 2023-2027 includes three pillars: creating an enabling environment for women in the labour market, developing women leaders, and enhancing the quality of life for women in society, through which DWE seeks to achieve its vision of “Dubai as a pioneering model for women-friendly cities.” The new strategic plan focuses on contributing to the strengthening of supporting legislation and policies, consolidating partnerships and allowing women to influence locally and globally.

About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD) provides a platform to explore new strategies for enhancing gender balance and raising women’s participation in the economy and society worldwide. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, GWFD reflects the UAE’s leadership in advancing gender equality and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. Since its inception eight years ago, the forum has become a leading international gathering for fostering dialogue and collaboration to address challenges and opportunities for women worldwide. With a rich agenda featuring diverse discussions, transformative workshops, and impactful speakers, GWFD brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to inspire progress toward building a more inclusive and sustainable future. The 2024 edition of GWFD, themed The Power of Influence, takes place on November 26-27 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, gathering over 6,000 participants, 250 speakers and 25 prominent figures and ministers from across the globe. The 130 panel discussions at the forum centre on three pillars: Future Economies and Societies, Collective Engagements and Actions, and Impactful Technologies and Innovations.