Human Rights of Women
Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. J.H Smith (rtd) has challenged women to be more proactive on issues of gender, peace and security especially in Ghana.
Speaking at a regional symposium on women, peace and security at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Center, Lt. Gen. Smith noted that women who play an important role in conflict resolution need to be empowered to take up tasks that match their abilities.
He added that since women and children are the most affected during conflicts, they need the necessary support to be able to stand up for their rights.
Following the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution, UNSCR 1325 on October 31, 2000 and its follow-up resolutions on women, peace and security, the international community has ensured that as part of its agenda, victims of conflict have a major voice in issues of peace and security.
The Commandant of the KAIPTC, Air Vice Marshal Christian Kobla Dovlo assured the Defence Minister that KAIPTC is committed to the ideals of the UNSCR 1325 and had demonstrated that through the establishment of a Gender, Peace and Security (GPS) programme.
According to Air Vice Marshal Dovlo, the GPS has undertaken research into emerging trends with respect to gender mainstreaming in security issues, developed a training manual and piloted a course on sexual exploitation and abuse in fragile, conflict and post-conflict situations.
He also noted that Africa had had its fair share of violent intra-state conflicts, in which civilians, especially women and children had not only been deliberately targeted, but had been violated and abused, hence the need to promote gender equality in the security sector, in peace processes and for the concerns of women in conflict and post-conflict situations.
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