Men on the Stand
Date of Meeting: 28 Oct 2015
Meeting Organizer: United Methodist Women, Commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of UNSCR 1325
ISJC Staff Present: Major Victoria Edmonds, Robert Docter, Luke Cozens
Reporter: Robert Docter
Which SDG does this topic cover? 1,3 4, 5, 9, 10, 16, 17
Type of meeting: Side event, Church Center of the United Nations
Brief summary of presentation of information made
Overview:
Panel discussion of UNSCR 1325 15th anniversary. Topic specifically dealt with men’s role in ending gender inequality. This involves male role in ending gender roles, gender violence, and negative consequences of masculinity, tied together with specific examples of organizational action doing this.
Themes:
- Push for granting more leadership positions to women – the statistics continue to be male dominated, even related to the UN. “Only 3% of UN peacekeepers are women”.
- Discussed sexual, gendered violence in violent conflicts; rape, kidnap, other sexual attacks, sex as a tactic of warfare.
- Funding for women is often sidelined.
- Action depends on what both men and women can do in working together for gender equality.
- Discussed the importance of inclusion, conflict-prevention, and building bridges.
- The voice of women in conflict needs equal leadership in decision-making.
- Jan Kickert shared the importance of conflict resolution, but more importantly conflict prevention.
- The need for gender equality to be enacted systematically.
- Some talked about the consequences of masculinity and its grip of the US armed forces actions.
- Women in the field of action needs attention, where 1/3 are sexually attacked while in active duty.
- The need to start asking questions, about the arms industry, political leadership, and the importance of prevention.
What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?
- The importance of gender equality in all shapes and forms for TSA to try and implement. TSA male leadership heavily outweighs women leadership. Therefore, high-level decision making involves predominantly male leadership. Understanding the importance of equality of females, half of the population, then those decisions and leadership can produce better and more sustainable responses.
- The Salvation Army can take important information regarding the views of the ambassadors of Austria and Columbia – and their views and action to implement gender equality and violent protection.
- The Salvation Army needs information and reminders of women in violent situations. Understanding their specific risks can better shape programming and services to women of those areas.