Sustainable Infrastructure for Gender Equality

"Sustainable Infrastructure for Gender Equality: Putting Prevention Up Front"
Tuesday, 12 March 2019 | Roger Smith Hotel

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, presents 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. Recognizing 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 marginalized 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.

Moderator:

• Ms. Sharon Bhagwan Rolls (Fiji, Chairperson of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict)

Speakers:

• Ms. Adriana Erthal Abdenur (Brazil, Igarapé Institute)
• Ms. Kesia-Onam Birch (Ghana, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, Women in Peacebuilding Network)
• Ms. Shirine el-Jurdi (Lebanon, Women’s League for Peace and Freedom)
• Ms. Eliška Jelínková (Czech Republic/UK, United Network of Young Peacebuilders)