WE Act 1325 Network launched today

By MYRA M. TAMBOR
November 17, 2010

QUEZON CITY  –  A back to back significant event was held today to give emphasis on the efforts of women leaders to the peace initiatives in the country.  Women leaders representing various organizations came to the launching of WE Act 1325 Network and gathered together for a forum on “Implementing the Philippine National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325: Ways Forward”.  The event held at Miriam College, Quezon City was graced by the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles.

United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 passed 10 years ago, “reaffirms the need to implement fully international humanitarian law that protects the rights of women and girls during and after conflicts and expresses concerned that civilians particularly women and children, account for the vast majority of those adversely affected by armed conflict and recognizes the consequent impact this has on durable peace and reconciliation.  It also reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace-building, and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security and the need to increase their role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution.”

WE Act 1325 Network which stand for Women engaged in action on 1325, was established to ensure that the UN Resolution will be implemented in the country.  The said network is composed of Sulong CARHRIHL, Al Mujadilah Development Foundation, Aksiyon para sa Kapayapaan at Katarungan, Asian Circle 1325, Balay Rehabilitation Center, Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Governance, Center for Peace Education, Coalition of Mindanao Indigenous People for Peace Advocacy, GZO Peace Institute, Initiatives for Interfaith Dialogue, Isis International, Lupah Sug Bangsamoro Women, Mindanao 1325, Mindanao People’s Caucus, Nisa Ul Haqq Fi Bangsamoro, Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court, PILIPINA, Panghiliusa sa Paghidhu-Negros PSPN, Saligan Mindanao, Women and Gender Institute.

Meanwhile, the network received an overwhelming support from various partners both coming from international and national agencies, such are United Nations Development Fund, UNIFEM soon to be called UN Woman, UNFPA, Global Network of Women Peace Builders and the Philippine Commission on Women.  “The solidarity messages of the official representatives of these organizations are just great and we all need to hear it for us to be more inspired and do more for the places in our country where the adverse impact of armed conflict is experienced”, said Ms. Joeven Reyes of Sulong CARHRIHL.

Further, Reyes said that WE Act 1325 has formulated the Philippine National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security: Implementing UNSCR 1325 as well as 1820 aiming for 2 goal of actions.  These are to: 1st Ensure the protection of women’s human rights and prevention of violation of these rights in armed conflict and post - conflict situations; 2nd Empower women and ensure their active and meaningful participation in areas of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, peace building and post-conflict reconstruction; 3rd Promote and mainstream a gender perspective in all aspects of conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peace building; and 4th To institutionalize a system to monitor, evaluate and report on the implementation of the National Action Plan in order to enhance accountability for successful implementation and the achievement of its goal.