Assignment 08: Resolution 1325
Resolution 1325 has been a God-send for women and children in third world civilizations in the midst of wars. Before 2000, women and children were told to be considered “bystanders” to war efforts according to the UN, who condemned abuse or attacks and attempted to give the proper protection in these times; however, they were not given the correct representation or people to enforce these assumptions. In Resolution 1325, women are integrated in the peace-making and rebuilding processes, given membership and leadership roles within the groups that develop these choices (Aboitiz, Hill and Poehlman-Doumbouya, 2003, 1255-1256). Now, women are able to pioneer new beginnings for their devastated nations and form a new foundation for their fellow citizens.
In the Resolution, the code specifically outlines for women to take more proactive roles within resolutions and to be given the opportunities to lead these movements. However, this is not always the reality that occurs. For example, women have been invited to help resolve issues in Afghanistan, but it has not been accepted yet by other leaders (Aboitiz, Hill and Poehlman-Doumbouya, 2003, 1260). Not only does the Resolution have to be passed throughout many of these nations, but the culture needs to shift as well. In many of the war-torn areas of the world, women are regarded as second class citizens or even properties. To equip women with these possibilities of pioneering a new culture, the UN must realize they also have to battle old beliefs.
Despite this negative factor, women have been able to influence others with their opinions and strength. Since the Resolution, a council has formed for an annual meeting, discussing the current issue at hand. In 2001, women congregated in this meeting to discuss the epidemic of using women’s bodies during war conflicts, which dates itself to World War II; in many of these cases, women are used as sex slaves or even human shields against the opposition (Aboitiz, Hill and Poehlman-Doumbouya, 2003, 1262.) The testimonies were well received, as many of the accounts were auto-biological in nature and offers a new perspective in light of war. The councils have had an overall positive effect, giving many women a voice they have never been able to obtain.
Implementing women into roles to develop and execute peace keeping missions has been one of the best resolutions the UN has made. Not only are women able to finally have a voice, but they are using authority and power they have never carried before. Thanks to this resolution, several areas now have female-ran groups who restock supplies and resources for their area; others work side by side with males, who are trying to assist in the same efforts. Women are given a podium thanks to the United Nations, becoming proud citizens of the nation they hail from and are rescuing in the same process.
