On the initiative of Slovenia and Norway, representatives and civil society from the Western Balkan region met together with a delegation from Ukraine and members from NATO, OSCE, and the EU on March 28 at the event, Challenges and Opportunities for the Women, Peace and Security Agenda – Perspectives from Southeast Europe and Ukraine.
The aim of the event was to discuss lessons learned on how to practically implement the UN Security Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security and the role of National Action Plans (NAPs) in moving forward on women’s empowerment and security. Both Slovenia and Norway are in the process of developing a new NAP and many representatives and organizations shared their practical efforts and practices. An exchange of experiences is important, as outlined by the concept note, as it can assist us “to work better, faster and smarter".
Research Director, Louise Olsson, PRIO, moderated a session on Meaningful participation of women in peace and security efforts in the region – barriers and opportunities, with a focus on how to overcome structural barriers, prejudices, and stereotypes to inclusion in decisions and efforts on peace and security.
The meeting was opened by Ms. Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs in Slovenia, and Ms. Signe Gilen, Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
