NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
has appointed Norwegian diplomat Ms. Mari
Skåre as his Special Representative for Women,
Peace and Security.
“It is important to have a Special Representative
for Women, Peace and Security, because I want
to put more focus on the role of women in
the prevention and resolution of conflicts.
Women play an important role in family and
local communities.
So, they can contribute in a valuable way
to both the prevention and the resolution
of conflicts.
And when decisions are taken, as to how we
will manage a post-conflict situation, women
must be properly represented.
Furthermore, women are very often hit the
hardest by conflicts and we have an obligation
to avoid that.”
Ms. Skåre will be the first Special Representative
for Women, Peace and Security at
“It is very important.
NATO is a security organisation, a Defence
Alliance.
And the fact that NATO is now appointing a
Special Representative on Women, Peace and
Security shows that NATO is leading the way
on this very important issue.
The issue of women and security can not be
marginalized in international affairs, but
deserves a place right on the core of the
agenda.”
Her task will be to reinforce and promote
the implementation of the United Nations Security
Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and
security.
This groundbreaking resolution was the first
to recognize women’s roles in international
peace and security.
Not just as victims of war and conflict, but
as agents.
Both in resolving conflict and taking part
in the reconstruction afterwards.
“It is important to recognize that conflicts
affect men and women differently.
That inequalities in society are often operated
by conflicts.
But it is even more important to convey that
women are a resource, very often an untapped
resource, that we need to put into conflict
prevention and resolution.
If we do so, if we manage to do so it is simply
just Smart Defence.”
Ms Skåre is expected to take up her position
in September.
This is a NATOChannel report.
