A Summary of G8 Foreign Ministers’ Statement:
Strengthening the Role of Women in Conflict Prevention
prepared by Inclusive Security: Women Waging Peace

At their July 2001 meeting in Rome, the G8 Foreign Ministers agreed on the urgency of the systematic involvement of women in all stages of conflict prevention and resolution.

Building on several former resolutions, from the 1995 “Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action” and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 to the G8’s own work in Miyazaki, Japan, in 2000, the G8 foreign ministers’ official statement describes the value of women as prime negotiators, peacemakers, and advisers who can add creative, alternative approaches to mitigating conflict and sustaining peace. It therefore encourages the appointment of women to national and international operational positions.

The G8 foreign ministers call for special attention to the needs of female ex-combatants and urge gender sensitivity in training materials for peacekeeping operations, including military, civilian police, and humanitarian personnel. They view women’s involvement in bilateral and multilateral aid efforts as contributing to the larger goal of strengthening the role of women in building a peaceful and just society.

In addition, the Foreign Ministers’ statement highlights the positive role that the private sector can play in conflict prevention and peace building. Calling for corporate social responsibility and endorsing cooperation and collaboration among government, business, and civil society, the G8 ministers support the exploration of public-private partnerships in response to high-risk conflict situations.

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