Kinshasa, 8 November 2012 – In collaboration with the Gender Affairs section of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the Congolese government and the United Nations Theme Group on Gender launched a three-day workshop on the occasion of an open house organized from 29 to 31 October 2012 in Kinshasa.

The workshop was organized as part of the effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security in the DRC.

Resolution 1325 which was adopted in 2000, is the first of its kind to clearly recognize the importance of fully involving women in all efforts to promote peace and security. In order to translate the precepts of this resolution into action, in 2010, the DRC Ministry of Gender, Family and Children developed a National Action Plan (NAP 1325) for its implementation, with the support of the United Nations.

The open house initiative launched by the United Nations system aimed at contributing to the effective and coordinated implementation of NAP 1325. The event ended with a commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen the participation of women in peace processes and initiatives, as well as to protect and prevent abuse of women's political and human rights. Stakeholders in these efforts include the Congolese government, several international organizations, civil society, donors, and the entire United Nations system represented by Moustapha Soumaré, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and United Nations Resident Coordinator.

An Executive Steering Committee was created for this purpose with a trust fund for the mobilization and management of resources required for the implementation of NAP 1325. An existing Steering Committee was also reaffirmed to support the implementation of Resolution 1325 at the national, provincial and local levels.
Toral Pattni/ MONUSCO