Source: United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur
UNAMID organized today in El Fasher, North Darfur, an open day on the progress in the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security under the theme "Women count for peace".

More than 100 women from Darfur's three states participated in the event, including officials from the state governments, legislators and UN agencies.

UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative - Political, Aichatou Mindaoudou Souleymane, highlighted some of the achievements made by Darfuri women, such us the drive for active engagement in the peace and political process, the work to prevent gender-based violence and the support for livelihood projects and skills that will help chart Darfur's road to recovery.

"The Resolution aptly defines the importance of women both in conflict and post-conflict situations, women as agents for positive change and women as citizens needing special protection. In Darfur, women have embraced UNSCR 1325 and ran with it," she said.

"I am deeply impressed. The number of participants at this year's Open Day has doubled. This is no mere coincidence," Ms. Souleymane added.

The Chief of Higher Council of Youth and Sports Tijani Ahmed Sinin, said that "women are the ones who pay the bills of the war: they lost their husbands, sons and brothers, and they are capable of playing different roles in all sectors."

"Women in North Darfur have played the lead: we have women ministers, advisors, commissioners, director generals and other senior positions. Let us do all that we can to support women which will result in progress, peace and prosperity for all Darfuris," he remarked.

UNAMID in collaboration with local authorities has organized forums to create awareness and assess the implementation of the UNSCR 1325 in 14 localities throughout Darfur.

• Sudan