Women’s Participation Key to Sustainable Peace and Security

Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Irene Zubaida Khan, has called for meaningful participation by women in peace processes and decision-making, emphasising the importance of grassroots initiatives in preventing violence and building lasting peace.

Speaking recently at an open debate of the UN Security Council on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), she recalled Bangladesh’s role as a key co-sponsor of Security Council Resolution 1325 and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the WPS agenda, according to the Bangladesh mission.

Irene Khan highlighted Bangladesh’s National Action Plan on WPS, introduced six years ago. Following the completion of its first phase, the country is now implementing the second phase, with consultations involving stakeholders, particularly civil society and women’s groups, remaining a key part of the process.

She underscored the importance of training and raising awareness among girls and young women about violence prevention, as well as supporting their active participation in community-level mediation.

Grassroots initiatives can help prevent disputes from escalating into wider conflicts, she said, noting that Bangladesh is prioritising such efforts through government and non-governmental organisation programmes.

Irene Khan also called for greater investment in women’s organisations and human rights defenders, stronger protection for women in conflict-affected areas, and predictable, sustained financing for peace operations and vulnerable communities.

Emphasising a gender-centred approach to security, she said women must have a meaningful voice in peace negotiations, political leadership and decision-making.

The Bangladesh permanent representative urged the international community to translate commitments under the Women, Peace and Security agenda into concrete action to advance inclusive and sustainable peace.