UN Security Council Resolution 1325 was adopted in 2000 in order to promote women’s security and participation in peacemaking in situations of war and conflict. However, over ten years later, Arab women continue to find themselves excluded from post-conflict decision-making and peace-building, as well as isolated to a larger extent from the support systems necessary to promote their full and equal participation in a post-conflict society. 

In early 2011, Think Tank members, including policymakers, activists, academics, and ambassadors convened in Amman to address the impact of war on women with consideration of economics, legal rights, rehabilitation, cultural taboos, participation in politics and decision-making, and shifting social and family roles post-war. 

Outcomes:

• Participants identified strategic gaps in data regarding the impact of war on women, specifically the lack of comprehensive studies on the causes and consequences of violence against women in times of war and post-conflict

• Case studies on situations for women in conflict-affected areas including Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, Sudan, Somalia, and Lebanon were shared. Iraqi activist Salma Jabou shared, “Politics is seen as an exclusively male domain,” and cited that there are nearly 1 million widows in Iraq who need to be assisted.

• The League of Arab States Regional Strategy on Women, Conflict, and Security was introduced, setting the stage for a joint initiative in this area.

• The Think Tank recommended commissioning a three-year study in at least five countries.