Bunia, 07 November 2015 – Some 120 invited people attended the celebration marking 15 years since the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security in situations of armed conflict. The celebration was an opportunity to take stock of the actions undertaken by - and to initiate a dialogue between – representatives of Ituri women’s associations and civilian and military authorities in favor of the promotion of women.

The representative of the « Forum for Interaction among Ituri’s Women” (Espace d’Echange des Femmes de l’Ituri) stressed that women and children, who are increasingly targeted by armed groups operating in Ituri and other provinces, bear the brunt of the violence of war and live in insecurity.

She also urged the authorities, civilian and military alike, to promote women’s participation in decision making, given their strategic role in the stabilization and peace building process.

MONUSCO’s continued action in favor of women and girls was recognized.

The head of MONUSCO’s office in Ituri, M’hand Ladjouzi, and the commander of the Intervention Brigade encouraged them to get involved in the stabilization process in South Irumu while assuring them of MONUSCO’s support.

The festivities continued with soldiers of the MONUSCO Bangladeshi contingent donating sewing machines to women in vulnerable situation who had received tailoring and sewing training by the local NGO AGR.

Anne HERRMANN