This year, the United Nations declared “inspiring change” as the theme of its activities for International Women’s Day (March 8) in order to commemorate the evolving role of women globally. It is especially appropriate since it is time to change the narrative that emphasizes women as victims and passive actors in their communities.
With the attention focused on the protection of women in conflict, specifically from gender-based violence that remains prevalent in many parts of the globe, it is often easy to overlook the on-the-ground realities that women in war zones face daily. Security Council resolutions make it appear that victimhood is the issue. Aside from the landmark declaration of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in October 2000, which brought attention to the salience of having women at the peace table and in conflict prevention, the focus of this and other non-binding resolutions reflect a strategic blindness about how women actively participate in any society.
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