The Cyprus Community Media Centre (CCMC) believes that there is still a lot to do in efforts to address the crucial role women can play in conflict resolution, according to a CCMC press release, issued here today.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 was adopted 13 year ago and addresses the inordinate impact of war on women, as well as the pivotal role women should and do play in conflict management, conflict resolution, and sustainable peace.
While existing efforts in Cyprus are being made by the bi-communal Gender Advisory Team (GAT) with the support of USAID Cyprus and the United Nations Good Office Mission to bring Cyprus in line with UNSCR 1325, there is still a lot to do, Cyprus Community Media Centre (CCMC) stresses in an official announcement about today’s anniversary.
“There is a need on the grass roots level for women to have opportunities for empowerment and to learn new skills, to raise the awareness of the general public and the political leadership about gender equality and the peace building process in Cyprus”.
CCMC announces a new project “Where are the Women? Capturing the Gender Dividend in Cyprus for Peace and Beyond” which aims to get more women substantively involved and participating in the Cyprus peace building and reconciliation processes at the grass-roots level.
Through media skills trainings for Cypriot women, innovative and unique media related awareness raising techniques, the project engages women from across Cyprus into active dialogue with community leaders to highlight the importance of the role of women in a lasting peace settlement, CCMC adds.
“Usually peace negotiations look gender-neutral, however especially in Cyprus women are usually excluded,” says Umut Bozkurt of GAT, adding that “therefore women should participate and be more visible in peace building processes”.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated UN-led efforts over the past decades have not led to a negotiated settlement in Cyprus. Talks are expected to resume in the coming weeks.
