WHAT IS THE GENDER OF SECURITY? 20 years of the Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security” and its implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
WHAT IS THE GENDER OF SECURITY? 20 years of the Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security” and its implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Contributor(s): Amila Ždralović (Editor), Saša Gavrić (Editor), Mirela Rožajac-Zulčić (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, History, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, International Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Civil Society, Sociology, Recent History (1900 till today), Security and defense, Military policy, Social differentiation, Studies in violence and power, Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Present Times (2010 - today), Migration Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields
Published by: Sarajevo Open Centre
Keywords: gender; women; security; peace; migration; security council; UN; Resolution 1325; implementation; BiH; military; armed forces; police forces; COVID-19;
Summary/Abstract: I have the honour to present this second volume of the “What is the Gender of Security?” series. The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has partnered with the Sarajevo Open Centre in support of established and emerging practitioners and academics to provide important analysis on the engagement of women in the security sector and other relevant topics pertaining to gender and security. In so doing, we aim to foster synergies among academia, practitioners, and political and security decision-makers, and to highlight the importance of including gender perspectives in all aspects of security. We have partnered with the Sarajevo Open Centre to mark two important anniversaries: 2020 marks 25 years since the end of the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina and 20 years since the adoption of the landmark UNSC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The Resolution, unfortunately inspired by the conflicts in BiH and Rwanda in the 1990s, has helped place women’s war and post-war experiences at the forefront of international policy making, especially when it comes to peace negotiations and peace-building, peacekeeping, reconciliation, and reconstruction. Although much remains to be done in the fight to achieve equal rights and opportunities, it is worth recalling the progress achieved so far. To date 83 countries have adopted a National Action Plan for the Implementation of UNSCR 1325, with BiH being one of the first, having adopted its Plan in 2010. I am proud to represent an organization that puts promoting and achieving gender equality within and among participating States, our executive structures and field operations at the forefront of its work. The OSCE adopted its Action Plan for Promotion of Gender Equality in 2004, at a time when gender issues were rarely discussed in international fora. UNSCR 1325 is one of the pillars of our Action Plan and the OSCE Mission to BiH will continue to support BiH partner institutions in promoting its implementation. Since the 1975 Helsinki Final Act (the precursor to the OSCE as we know it today), participating States have recognized the value of a comprehensive approach to security. We remain committed to this approach. Human security cannot be ensured by depending exclusively on democratically-controlled defence and security forces. To achieve sustainable security, access to education and health, economic stability, rule of law, respect for human rights and a stable environment are all crucial. Gender equality and ensuring that youth perspectives play a central role in decision making remains at the heart of the OSCE’s approach. In 2019 the OSCE published research on “Implementing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in the OSCE Region“ which provides an excellent overview of the implementation of UNSCR 1325. I recommend it to all interested researchers. The world is currently facing a security crisis on a scale more serious than most others in living memory. We are confronted with a pandemic that has forced us all to assume a key role in ensuring the safety and security of our loved ones and ourselves. The spread of the COVID-19 virus has brought into stark relief our global interdependence. It has highlighted the importance of looking out for each other, as well as supporting and protecting the democratic institutions that help our societies function and effectively address crises such as this one. Moreover, it has demonstrated the important role women can and must play as leaders, communicators, researchers and health providers in fighting the pandemic, to the benefit of all. These challenges require us all, whether in government or academia, to continue to collaborate, monitor, analyse, and learn from the experiences we are confronting. It is my sincere hope that, with this second volume, the Sarajevo Open Centre and the OSCE Mission to BiH will together make a valuable contribution to increased knowledge and awareness of many aspects of the UNSCR 1325 implementation.
Series: SOC - Gender
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-9958-536-65-6
- Page Count: 272
- Publication Year: 2020
- Language: English
Debates about Peace and Security – Feminist Paradigm
Debates about Peace and Security – Feminist Paradigm
(Debates about Peace and Security – Feminist Paradigm)
- Author(s):Nerzuk Ćurak
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Security and defense
- Page Range:29-42
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:gender; security; peace; feminism; UN; human rights;
- Summary/Abstract:During the long historical existence, from the early human communities to the modern capitalist society, security manifested itself as something inherently human, as an internal demand of anthropology faced with unfathomable forces of nature. However, the historical development of social relations established the security both as an organised form of human communities, through which an instinctive dimension of human nature is socialised, collectivised, institutionalised, made utilitarian... The useful function of security has primarily been reflected, throughout history, in the need of a human being to manufacture, in accordance with the degree of mental and psycho-social development, an arsenal of protective resources which guarantee successful opposition against the untamed forces of nature, adversaries among fellow human beings and against dangers created by people themselves, because they did not respect the finality of the earth.
Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security”: Importance and Regional Context
Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security”: Importance and Regional Context
(Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security”: Importance and Regional Context)
- Author(s):Zorana Antonijević, Saša Gavrić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, International Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Security and defense
- Page Range:43-62
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:security; gender; Security Council; Resolution 1325; women; peace; regional context; human rights;
- Summary/Abstract:The Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security” represents one of the most important documents which regulate the enjoyment of women’s human rights at the global level. The Resolution also had the key influence on the gender mainstreaming of policies and practices in the field of peace and security at the level of nation-states, regional and international organisations, but also of local communities.
Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security”: Implementation in BiH
Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security”: Implementation in BiH
(Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security”: Implementation in BiH)
- Author(s):Adnan Kadribašić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, International Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Security and defense
- Page Range:63-81
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:gender; security; UN; Security Council; Resolution 1325; women; peace; BiH; implementation; human rights;
- Summary/Abstract:The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) “Women, Peace and Security” is the first Security Council Resolution which deals specifically with the effects of armed conflict on women and girls, with the role and contribution of women in conflict prevention and conflict resolution, and with achieving sustainable peace. One of the key areas of the Resolution deals with increasing the number of women in security structures and with increased participation at all levels of decision-making. That is a precondition for a larger degree of inclusion of the gender equality perspective into the security sector, and for greater protection of and respect for the human rights of women and girls, both in a war, and in the processes aimed to achieve peace and security. It was especially emphasised in Resolution 1325 that women and girls are especially vulnerable during armed conflict, which requires increased protection for women and girls. The UNSC Resolution 1325 consists of 18 points, and their content may be grouped into four pillars (Monari, 2018)
Women in Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branch of the Government
Women in Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branch of the Government
(Women in Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branch of the Government)
- Author(s):Lejla Balić, Amila Ždralović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Evaluation research, Social differentiation, Sociology of Law
- Page Range:85-110
- No. of Pages:26
- Keywords:gender; security; law; legislation; women; executive government; judicial government; human rights;
- Summary/Abstract:Although the feminist movement should not be restricted solely to the struggle for women’s suffrage (passive and active suffrage, in other words, the right to vote and stand in the elections), acquisition of the status of political entity, regardless of all theoretical discrepancies between different forms of feminism, remains its lasting feature. The first argumentation of necessity of women’s involvement in political sphere was carved out within the framework of the liberal political philosophy on the foundations of its principles of equality of all human beings and was thus formulated as a call for participation of women in political life, on an equal footing with men. However, the actual equality has not been accomplished after women won these rights, and the anticipated societal changes failed to materialise.
Women’s Peace Activisms
Women’s Peace Activisms
(Women’s Peace Activisms)
- Author(s):Tatjana Žarković, Jelena Gaković
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Civil Society
- Page Range:111-131
- No. of Pages:21
- Keywords:gender; security; women; peace; activism; BiH; UN; human rights;
- Summary/Abstract:Women’s peace activism in the countries of the former Yugoslavia is a unique example of solidarity which knows no physical or symbolical boundaries imposed by the nationalist ideology. In BiH and in the region, the women’s peace movement appeared already after the first indications of war in the 1990s, where some women peace activists regarded themselves as feminists, while others did not. Women peace activists organised themselves and co-operated in spite of inimical and confrontational policies of their nation-states. Whether they thought of themselves as feminists or not, it is important to note that many theoreticians point out that, throughout history, women played very important roles in antiwar and peacebuilding initiatives (see e.g. Licht and Drakulić, 2002; Mlađenović, 2004; Cockburn, 2012; Cohn, 2005).
Armed Forces: Gender and Defence Reform
Armed Forces: Gender and Defence Reform
(Armed Forces: Gender and Defence Reform)
- Author(s):Selma Ćosić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Security and defense, Social differentiation
- Page Range:135-149
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:gender; security; armed forces; defence reform; BiH;
- Summary/Abstract:A national security system is inevitable, and it is even one of the key elements of every state. Its fundamental goal is to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political order from danger, both from outside (external security), and inside (internal security). The question is what is the role and status of women in the security system, in this case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, how big is their contribution to the preservation of a degree of security of the state? Statistical data indicates that very few women are present in politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in State bodies which make decisions on security matters, and very few of them participate in decision-making bodies, or in the security system of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is still regarded as a “male sphere” of action.
Police Forces in BiH
Police Forces in BiH
(Police Forces in BiH)
- Author(s):Marija Lučić-Ćatić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Security and defense, Evaluation research, Social differentiation
- Page Range:151-174
- No. of Pages:24
- Keywords:gender; security; BiH; police forces; UN; Security Council; Resolution 1325; women;
- Summary/Abstract:The issues of gender equality and equal opportunities for women are present in all aspects of life. These issues emerged in 1970s, gained in significance since then and became issues of national and international importance (Balgač, 2017). Although the issue of gender equality captures the attention of many science and research minded individuals, there are very few of those whose scientific interest focused on the position of women in the police structure, as a male dominated system. Such situation is evident in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) as well; however, improvement of the position of women in police structures, as one of the ways to integrate gender perspective in peace and security efforts, is gaining international recognition. The adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security” (2000) triggered a host of activities of global reach, with the view of increasing the level of participation of women in conflict resolution, peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities (Wise and Centre for Security Studies, 2017).
Asymmetrical Conflict and Gender Perspectives: Covid-19 Case Study
Asymmetrical Conflict and Gender Perspectives: Covid-19 Case Study
(Asymmetrical Conflict and Gender Perspectives: Covid-19 Case Study)
- Author(s):Zoran Duspara
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Sociology, Security and defense, Health and medicine and law, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:175-191
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:gender; security; Covid-19; BiH; armed forces; conflict;
- Summary/Abstract:Although more than thirty years passed since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the event which we often regard as the historical reference point for the end of the Cold War, the geopolitical, geostrategic and especially global security scene has still not had its more prominent and more permanent dimensions. In the scientific sense, there is a lack of clearer quantification of the fundamental security factors, i.e. of the entirely evident new security paradigm. Why is that the case?
Behind the Statistics: A Feminist Take on Militarisation
Behind the Statistics: A Feminist Take on Militarisation
(Behind the Statistics: A Feminist Take on Militarisation)
- Author(s):Jasmina Čaušević
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Security and defense, Military policy
- Page Range:193-211
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:gender; security; military; feminism; UN; Security Council; Resolution 1325;
- Summary/Abstract:Although many feminists, including anti-militarist feminists, argue that gender mainstreaming has blunted the blade of feminism and opened the door to donor policies and non-governmental organisations, which simplified feminist fight and weakened transnational nature of the feminist movement, we must wonder what equality situation would be like and where women would be today had it not been for the ideas that promote gender mainstreaming. We understand this term the way it was explained by Jadranka Rebeka Anić citing the Glossary titled: 100 Words for Equality – in essence, it is about gender-conscious policy making, in other words: The systematic integration of the respective situations, priorities and needs of women and men in all policies and with a view to promoting equality between women and men and mobilising all general policies and measures specifically for the purpose of achieving equality by actively and openly taking into account, at the planning stage, their effects on the respective situations of women and men in implementation, monitoring and evaluation (Anić, 2011, p. 26)
Refugees, Migration and Trafficking in Humans
Refugees, Migration and Trafficking in Humans
(Refugees, Migration and Trafficking in Humans)
- Author(s):Valida Repovac Nikšić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Security and defense, Studies in violence and power, Migration Studies
- Page Range:215-234
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:gender; security; refugees; migration; human trafficking;
- Summary/Abstract:Modern migration, combined with negative aspects of globalisation and neoliberal world order, became an instrument in the hands of populist-minded politicians. That particularly applies to the growth of populism, as noted in the first two decades of the 21st century. (Bojanić-Savić and Repovac Nikšić, 2019). Migration is a key theme for those who race to get into power, both in Europe and world-wide. It suffices to analyse the last general elections that took place in Italy in 2018, which resulted in an unlikely coalition between Lega, far-right political party and Movimento Cinque Stelle, radical leftist populist movement. Even better, try listening to campaign speeches of now sitting United States President, Donald Trump, and his ideas about Latin America migrants expressed during the course of his presidential campaign and after his inauguration. Zygmunt Bauman describes in detail these retrograde and conservative trends in his latest book titled: “Strangers at our Door” (2016).
Wartime Sexual Violence and Post-War Gender-Based Violence
Wartime Sexual Violence and Post-War Gender-Based Violence
(Wartime Sexual Violence and Post-War Gender-Based Violence)
- Author(s):Majda Halilović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Studies in violence and power, Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Present Times (2010 - today), Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:235-256
- No. of Pages:22
- Keywords:gender; security; wartime; sexual violence; OSCE; BiH;
- Summary/Abstract:This section shall provide a general theoretical overview of sexual and gender-based violence and show progress made with change of paradigm which occurred gradually since the 1970s onward in understanding the phenomenon of violence against women, which resulted in perception of the violence as something other than a mere private and family matter between a man and a woman, but rather a serious problem that requires engagement of the criminal justice system and protection services and condemnation on the part of the public. However, this paradigm change did nothing to deter the perpetrators of wartime rape during the course of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992–1995) – in focus of the second part of this section, which also provides overview of the case law in the area of wartime rape and support provided to surviving victims. The second part of the paper provides an overview of post-war violence against women and analysis of the case law in prosecution of the crimes of rape, sexual harassment and domestic violence. The section shall also focus on the analysis of the impact the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 had in changing the attitudes to women victims of sexual violence and look into the extent to which international efforts and civil society interventions reflected on how the victims of wartime rape are recognised and supported in Bosnia and Herzegovina at state and entity level. In addition, the paper shall address the issue of whether and to what extent has the case law expanded the existing knowledge after the prosecution of wartime rape and how the judiciary treated the survivors as opposed to how it treated the perpetrators of rape. The section shall also examine whether the public of Bosnia and Herzegovina understood judgements and testimonies of surviving women, victims of wartime rape as a warning, and whether those judgements and testimonies led to collective examination of the attitude to women in general and deep awareness and understanding of the serious consequences of rape, sexual violence and domestic violence.
When the Mask Falls Off – What will be the Gender of the Future?
When the Mask Falls Off – What will be the Gender of the Future?
(When the Mask Falls Off – What will be the Gender of the Future?)
- Author(s):Lejla Gačanica
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Evaluation research, Social differentiation, Health and medicine and law
- Page Range:258-261
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:gender; security; future; COVID-19; women;
- Summary/Abstract:As we are reading reports and recommendations on the impact the crisis caused by COVID-19 has on women, hoping that something would be done about it (or to be more precise: some things, having in mind many different ways in which the crisis impacts women), because of our inability to predict when the crisis would come to an end, we fall short to assess, foresee and prevent the consequences it will have on women. Once the time comes to take protective masks off, what will the future of women look like? How frail were the victories won prior to COVID-19 and can we still expect the future to be female?
Recommended Resources on Gender Equality Terminology
Recommended Resources on Gender Equality Terminology
(Recommended Resources on Gender Equality Terminology)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Lexis, Social differentiation
- Page Range:263-264
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:gender; equality; terminology; sources;
- Summary/Abstract:In the interest of clarity and better understanding, the editors of this Compendium recommend the following resources on gender equality terminology.
Biographies
Biographies
(Biographies)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Scientific Life
- Page Range:265-272
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:biographies; about authors;
