United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, regretted the lack of progress in the women, peace and security agenda. He said, in an annual open debate of the UN Security Council, that we speak of inclusion, yet far too frequently, women remain absent from negotiating tables. 

Last year, 676 million women lived within 50 km of deadly conflict events, the highest number in decades. Sexual violence surged, against girls rising by 35 percent. In some places, alarmingly, girls accounted for nearly half of all victims.

 

 

Maternal mortality is rising in crisis zones. Girls are being pulled from school. Women in public life, politicians, journalists, and human rights defenders are targeted with violence and harassment, he said. In a survey conducted by UN Women just a few months ago, 90 percent of local women-led groups in conflict settings reported financial distress and shut down within six months. The women, peace and security agenda must deliver measurable change more women shaping peace agreements, security reforms and recovery plans, he added.