UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process marks International Women’s Day with Palestinian women’s movement leaders
Date:
Thursday, 8 March— The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Robert Serry, met with leaders from the Palestinian women's movement in Ramallah, to extend his best wishes on the occasion of International Women's Day, celebrated annually by the United Nations in honor of women worldwide.
The meeting, facilitated by UN Women, included members of the Women's Affairs Technical Committee (WATC) and high representatives of the General Union of Palestinian Women (GUPW). It covered issues faced by Palestinian women as a result of conflict and marginalization, as well as the need to intensify women's involvement in the Palestinian state building effort, and in the Middle East Peace Process.
The participants stressed the urgency of accelerating progress on Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
“Today we mark the importance of equal participation of women in all realms of life, including in the political sphere, and of their contribution to international peace and security, Serry said. “I recognize the distinct impact especially on Palestinian women of the ongoing conflict and occupation. In the face of these difficulties, it is only more impressive to see the tireless efforts of Palestinian women for their rights, freedom and dignity, and I congratulate them for their dedication.
The Special Coordinator reiterated the United Nations' commitment to support women's initiatives towards their full inclusion in their societies and looked forward to continuing such a “fruitful dialogue with women leaders and civil society organizations.