This autumn marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. At the anniversary public event, participants reflected on achievements, learned from experience, and addressed emerging challenges.

The UNSC resolution on Women, Peace and Security emphasises the active role and participation of women in peace and security matters. It has promoted women’s equal involvement in peace-building, crisis management, and peace processes, while also increasing attention to women’s rights throughout the different phases of conflict.

At the public event held at Finlandia Hall on September 5th, powerful speeches highlighted the need for sustained and concrete work on the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Cooperation between civil society and authorities plays a key role in implementing the agenda. In addition to political will, practical measures are needed to enhance meaningful participation of women.

In her keynote speech, President Tarja Halonen emphasised the essential role of women leaders and civil society since the adoption of the resolution. Finland has played a significant role in this work and continues to actively promote the agenda both domestically and internationally.

Speakers at the event included Laura Rissanen, State Secretary to the Minister of Social Security; Elina Korhonen, Chair of the Women, Peace and Security Network; Karoliina Partanen, Chair of the Council for Gender Equality; Professor of Practice Kaari Mattila; and Member of Parliament Pekka Haavisto. Three expert panels also discussed the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the context of UN crisis management operations, peace-building, and Finland’s comprehensive security.

CMC’s panel focused on the Women, Peace and Security agenda in UN peace operations. Police expert Sari Rautarinta, working in the UNMISS mission in South Sudan, emphasized the need for diverse expertise and skills in the operation. Simply measuring the number of women in peace operations does not tell the whole story—practical support for participation is also essential.

UN Women’s Strategic Military Advisor Tyson Nicholas also stressed the importance of providing peacekeepers working in challenging conditions with appropriate tools.

Among the achievements of the resolution, Nicholas noted that over the past 25 years, there has been growing recognition that conflicts can only be resolved by including all segments of society in peace processes. For societal resilience, it is essential that security belongs to everyone.

Inka Lilja, Project Manager at the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), added that one of the concrete achievements of Resolution 1325 is the integration of the Women, Peace and Security theme into peace operation induction training.

The event had over 400 participants. The event was organised by the Finnish Women, Peace and Security Network, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Crisis Management Centre (CMC Finland), CMI — Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, and the Council for Gender Equality (TANE).

Watch the recording here.

Photos: Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs