ABSTRACT
The United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 13251 adopted in October 2000 is a rare thematic Security Council resolution that has been celebrated as a milestone by international women’s organizations.2 It is the first (and only) resolution which explicitly addresses the role of women in conflict situations and peace-building processes.3 The resolution deals with the impact of war on women and girls, emphasizes the contribution of women to conflict resolution and sustainable peace, and stresses the necessity to involve women in conflict prevention, peace-building, and postconflict reconstruction. The resolution also calls for gender-sensitive peace building on the part of the UN, an increased representation and participation of women within the UN system, including field-based operations, and an adequate training of peacekeeping personnel. The adoption of Resolution 1325 appears crucial in particular in the African context.
