Signatory Event: Women, Peace and Security in Underreported Crises
CARE Nederland, Oxfam Novib, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and WO=MEN are excited to invite you to the upcoming NAP 1325 Signatory Event: Women, Peace and Security in Underreported Crises
Date: 22 April 2025
Time: 3.30 - 5.00 PM (walk-in from 3.15 PM)
Location: The Hague, Nutshuis
In light of geopolitical developments to date there are millions of people affected by crises - many exacerbated by climate change - which go largely unnoticed. According to the United Nations, there are currently over 30 active conflicts worldwide. These conflicts significantly impact women and girls, exposing them to heightened risks of gender-based violence. A recent study showed that while media coverage of conflict increased more than sixfold between 2013 and 2023, only 5% of the coverage focused on women’s experiences in war, and only 0.04% of articles mention women’s contribution as leaders.
People and organisations working on Women, Peace and Security in these contexts face severe challenges in accessing resources for inclusive humanitarian response, local peacebuilding initiatives or the protection of women and girls. Public attention regarding solving crises is equally crucial. Efforts to address these issues through international cooperation and gender-responsive policies are important to mitigating the impact of conflicts on women and ensuring their protection and empowerment.
Programme
15:15 -15.45 Walk in with coffee and tea
15.45 -15.50 Welcome and introduction by Reintje van Haeringen
15.50 -16.05 Keynote speech (tbc)
16.05 -16.45 Moderated panel discussion with Mekka Abdeljabar, Dima Ahmad, Ghislain
Sivasingana and Hana Alshowafi.
16.45 -17.00 Q&A audience
17:00 - ? Networking & drinks
Moderator: Reintje van Haeringen, CEO of CARE Nederland is a development expert with experience in Latin America, Africa and Asia who has led projects and programs focused on poverty reduction and sustainable development, with a specific focus on gender equality and environmental issues and with ample experience in involving private-sector actors through linkages with their core business.
Keynote Speaker: Gerton van den Akker serves as Deputy Director for Social Development at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has held senior roles at the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union, with expertise in multilateral diplomacy, global health, and international development. He holds degrees in Political Science and Public Administration from Radboud University and the University of Coimbra.
During a moderated panel discussion, we will highlight the impact on Women, Peace and Security work in a number of underreported crisis contexts. Four panelist will share their insights and provide recommendations to better support the work on Women, Peace and Security in these countries: Mekka Abdeljabar, Dima Ahmad, Ghislain Sivasingana and Hana Alshowafi.
Panelist from Syria: Dima Ahmad graduated from the Faculty of Mass Communication in 2011. Since 2014, she has been an active member of the Center for Civil Society and Democracy (CCSD), focusing on peacebuilding, democracy, and advocating for women's rights.
Panelist from Sudan: Mekka Abdelgabar is a leading expert on gender, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution in Sudan, particularly in Darfur. As the founder of the Darfur Women’s Organization in the Netherlands (VOND), she has played a key role in advancing women’s participation in mediation and reconciliation efforts, demonstrating the essential role of women in sustainable peace processes.
More information about panelist Ghislain Sivasingana and Hana Alshowafi from DRC and Yemen will follow soon.
Please register before: Thursday April 17, 12.00 PM
Read the Concept Note NAP1325 SE WPS and Underreported Crises here.
We look forward to seeing you there!