Women, Peace and Security Seminar Highlights Women's Contributions to Peacebuilding

TOKYO, September 9, 2010 - The United Nations University (UNU) hosted a seminar entitled "Women
Making Peace: Where Are We Now? Maximizing the Impact of UN Security Council
Resolution 1325, 10 Years On" on September 8, assessing global progress
toward implementation of the groundbreaking resolution which calls for
increased recognition of and support for the role of women in prevention and
resolution of conflict.

Co-organized with Global Action to Prevent War (GAPW), Soka Gakkai
International (SGI) and the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security
(NGOWG), the seminar consisted of a morning experts' meeting, a public forum
and a book launch.

While celebrating the achievements of women at the grassroots in
situations from Africa to the Middle East, participants found it unacceptable
that in the ten years since the resolution was passed, only 19 Member States
have submitted National Action Plans toward implementation of the resolution.
The need to improve accountability and introduce clear indicators of progress
was unanimously agreed.

A message from Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of UN ESCAP and
the former Executive Director of UNIFEM, reminded participants that the
resolution offers the chance of greater protection for those who are the most
vulnerable, the most invisible, and who have the greatest stake in peace.

Kayo Maeta, Chair of the Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee, explained
SGI's motivation in supporting the seminar, saying, "In an effort to realize
the essential spirit of UNSCR 1325, toward the creation of a culture of peace
in which women's full potential is realized in all corners of society, as a
civil society organization, we have engaged in community-based efforts to
raise public awareness."

Dr. Jasmin N. Galace, Associate Director of the Center for Peace
Education at Miriam College in the Philippines, shared how the process of
researching and producing a National Plan of Action brought together women's
groups and government agencies and created new opportunities for women.

International human rights lawyer Mikiko Otani added that 1325 is not
only relevant to countries directly involved in conflict. The empowerment of
women is vital in every country, as peace is only possible when there is
equal participation of men and women.

This theme was echoed in a message from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, who
stated: "the underlying message of the Resolution is that … the viewpoints
and voices of women, which to date have not been given adequate attention,
must be heeded and reflected in decision-making processes throughout
society."

Sarah Taylor, Executive Coordinator of the NGO Working Group, emphasized
that the particular experiences of women need to be brought into every debate
concerning peace and security. Participants agreed that the ultimate goal
should be to build cultures of peace, where women and men are empowered to
speak out and take action to address abuses and resolve disputes wherever
they occur.

The book "Promoting Women's Participation in Conflict & Post-Conflict
Societies: How women worldwide are making & building peace," which highlights
the contributions of women in peace negotiations, political participation and
security sector reform, was also introduced by coauthors Kavitha
Suthanthiraraj and Cristina Ayo. The book, produced by GAPW, the NGOWG and
the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, can be obtained from
coordinator@globalactionpw.org.

Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a Buddhist association with over 12
million members worldwide. Its activities to promote peace, culture,
education and empowerment are based on the longstanding traditions of
Buddhist humanism.

    Contact:
    Joan Anderson
    Office of Public Information
    Soka Gakkai International
    Tel: +81-3-5360-9475
    Fax: +81-3-5360-9885
    E-mail: janderson[at]sgi.gr.jp

Joan Anderson, Office of Public Information for Soka Gakkai International, +81-3-5360-9475, Fax: +81-3-5360-9885, E-mail: janderson[at]sgi.gr.jp