Gender equality is the number one predictor of peace – more so than a state’s wealth, level of democracy, or religious identity. Driven by civil society campaigning for action on gender equality, in 2000 the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1325. In doing so, Member States formally acknowledged that conflicts and crises impact the lives of women and girls differently, significantly and disproportionately, to that of men and boys.

Resolution 1325 consists of four pillars – participation, protection, prevention, and relief and recovery. It urges Member States to increase the representation of women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.