Connective Impact’s Post

I am excited to moderate a dynamic discussion on Monday 18 March, at 6pm at the German Mission to United Nations in New York on "Women and LGBTIQ Led Organizations on the Frontlines of Humanitarian Action: Promoting accountability and justice for gender-based violence in the context of war, recovery, and reconstruction", in Ukraine, on the margins of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), to showcase women's leadership. As the title connotes, women and LGBTI led organisations as well as other marginalised groups are playing a critical role in providing life saving and essential services to women and girls and marginalised individuals displaced by war in #Ukraine. Yet they often do this work at risk to their own safety, with inadequate resources, and at times without the recognition they deserve. How do we better support people displaced and impacted by war, in particular those at risk and exposed to gender based violence, learn from organisations working at the frontlines, and promote funding to them as well as partnerships with them? How do we better amplify the leadership of women and LGBTI led organisations in Ukraine, and in all humanitarian emergencies? The event is organized by The Women's Refugee Commission with the Permanent missions of #Malta #Germany, and Ukraine to the UN, Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada, HIAS and UN Women, and will entail a panel discussion with a delegation of women and #LGBTI led organisations from Ukraine, as well as addresses from senior government officials. #csw68 #investinwomen #ceasefirenow #endviolenceagainstwomen globalfundforwomen Sharon Bhagwan Rolls Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) Edge Effect Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi) ODI WomenForWomen United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) WhatWorks2PreventVAWG Department for International Development (DFID) USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGO CSW/NY) European Commission OSCE UNDP World Economic Forum World Bank Message Rahel Beigel of Women's Regugee Comission for RSVP and more details. (Photo: One of my photos from the car window as we drove through Ukraine in June 2022)

Women’s rights organizations in Ukraine and throughout the region mobilized rapidly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Two years later, they continue to provide a vital yet increasingly frayed lifeline to millions of displaced women and children.  But, though the people of Ukraine have shown tremendous resiliency, humanitarian funding has not. While 78% of survey respondents have expanded their services since the invasion, over 50% say that a critical lack of funding and resources threatens vital programs and services for displaced women and girls such as: 🏡 Adequate Housing  💵 Economic Support and Opportunities   👩⚕️ Gender-Based Violence Services  ✍ Counselling  ⚖ Legal Advice   VOICE and HIAS's latest report highlights how a lack of adequate resourcing and support has put immense pressure on many women’s rights organizations, many of whom are concerned about their capacity to continue supporting women and vulnerable populations from their communities in addition to those displaced by the war.  HIAS Ukraine stays committed to localization efforts to ensure adequate funding of women-led organizations. We at HIAS Ukraine call on other INGOs, governments, and agencies to join our message to transform the humanitarian system into a more gender-inclusive, locally-led, and globally coordinated system by providing vital resources to WROs. Follow the link for reeding full text of the research: https://lnkd.in/eK-iRUPv #HIASUkraine #HIAS #MHPSS #hiasukraine #PsychosocialSupport #ПопередженняГЗН #mentalhealth #GenderBasedViolence #GenderEquality #ПсихосоціальнаПідтримка #CommunitySupport #MentalHealth #StandWithUkraine

On International Women's Day, let us stand in solidarity with the courageous women in conflict-affected countries who face unimaginable hardships every day. From Syria to Yemen, Afghanistan to Somalia, women are on the frontlines of conflict, risking their lives to protect their families and communities. We must recognize and honor the resilience and strength of these women, who continue to fight for peace and justice despite facing unimaginable obstacles. We must amplify their voices, support their efforts, and work towards a more inclusive and just world for all. This International Women's Day, let us commit to standing with and supporting women in conflict-affected countries and working towards a world where all women can live in safety, peace, and dignity. Together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInConflictAffectedCountries #StandWithWomen

Yesterday marked one year of Sudan's civil war, and the crisis has hit alarming milestones with more than 18 million people facing starvation, and 70 percent of hospitals no longer functioning. Humanitarian needs are escalating alongside reports from UNHCR of surges in sexual violence. The humanitarian response is severely underfunded, far from meeting OCHA's estimate $2.7Bn requirement. Among imperatives is the importance of recognizing the specific needs of women and girls in both the humanitarian response as well as in routes to stabilization and peace. As my colleagues and I have explored 👇 women have been at the forefront of efforts for democratic change in the country, and effective conflict response and resolution will require enhanced gender sensitivity alongside work towards inclusive peace. https://lnkd.in/gqThXwnb (See also https://lnkd.in/gykupC4t)

🌟 🔍"Engaging Women in the Humanitarian Response in Afghanistan”: New Insights Building on the insights we’ve shared over the past few days from our study with Ground Truth Solutions, supported by #UNWomen, we're pleased to share some additional key findings: ✅ Organic Networks: Afghan women heavily rely on organic social networks for aid information, compensating for limited access to formal sources. These networks are considered trusted and safe. ✅ Face-to-Face Preference: The study showed Afghan women prefer receiving information in person from community figures, family, and organisation staff. 🤝 Our commitment is to foster a gender-inclusive humanitarian response. Stay tuned for more updates in the days ahead! Full Report: For a comprehensive view, access the full report here: https://shorturl.at/hrvD8 #HumanitarianResponse #GenderEquality #EmpowerWomen #Afghanistan #ResearchFindings

The #PactForTheFuture should ensure dedicated gender-responsive humanitarian action funding to support frontline women's organizations and promote sustainable peace. Read the key reflections and recommendations on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action for the Summit of the Future  ➡️ bit.ly/44rWQLp #Pact4WPSHA

This week the vital role of women in peace building was at the center of the United Nations Security Council's annual Debate on #WomenPeaceSecurity, 24 years after the adoption by unanimity of Security Council Resolution 1325. 612 million women and girls are now affected by war, 50 per cent more than a decade ago. In 2023, the proportion of women killed in conflict doubled, now 4 out of 10. The number of verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence increased by 50 per cent. 61% of all maternal mortality is concentrated on 35 conflict countries. And yet, the participation of women in peace process remains under 10 per cent over the last decade. While military spending keeps increasing dramatically, the funding for women's organization working in conflict areas keeps declining for a third year in a row. But women keep being vital to broker peace deals, to bring justice and to build safer spaces: - In Syria, they play a decisive role in ending the siege of several districts - In Afghanistan, they stepped up by opening schools in their homes. - In Ukraine, They coordinate the delivery of humanitarian aid when basic infrastructure has collapse or support safe evacuations. - In DRC, for the first time ever globally, the crime of forced pregnancy was successfully tried by a national court. With women at the decision table of peace processes and the right funding and support to the brave women human rights advocates and women-led organizations, we make peace more possible and durable, we prevent new conflicts and recover faster from those already upon us. UN Women #Peace #Security #WPS #UNSecurityCouncil #Resolution1325 #Women #GenderEquality #Beijing30 #WarOnWomen #Womensrights

Document 1: A Roadmap for Peace and Humanitarian Access in Ukraine - **Immediate Actions**: Emphasizes the need for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and international monitoring. - **Comprehensive Approach**: Addresses multiple dimensions, including humanitarian aid, justice and accountability, reconstruction, and psychosocial support. - **Inclusivity**: Highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including affected communities and minority groups. - **Long-term Vision**: Focuses on rebuilding and reconciliation, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and support. Document 2: Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Peace in the Ukraine-Russia Conflict - **Multifaceted Strategy**: Incorporates environmental sustainability, gender equality, and mental health support as critical components of peacebuilding. - **Detailed Implementation Roadmap**: Outlines short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals for peace, including specific actions for each phase. - **Focus on Vulnerable Populations**: Prioritizes the needs of women, children, and those affected by trauma and violence. - **Integration of Various Dimensions**: Stresses the importance of integrating gender and environmental considerations into all aspects of reconstruction and development. ### Common Themes - **Holistic Approach**: Both documents advocate for comprehensive strategies that address immediate needs while also considering long-term stability and recovery. - **International Collaboration**: They emphasize the role of international organizations and cooperation in facilitating peace processes. - **Inclusivity and Representation**: Both documents highlight the importance of including diverse voices in the peace process to ensure legitimacy and sustainability. Overall, both documents present thoughtful frameworks aimed at addressing the complex challenges of achieving peace in Ukraine, focusing on immediate humanitarian needs while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and stability. #UkraineRussiaConflict #PeaceBuilding #ConflictResolution #DiplomacyNow #FeedbackForPeace #SustainablePeace #InclusiveDialogue #HumanRights #NegotiationStrategies #PeaceProcess #EndTheWar #RegionalStability #ConflictPrevention #EarlyWarningSystems #CrisisResponse

Document 1: A Roadmap for Peace and Humanitarian Access in Ukraine - **Immediate Actions**: Emphasizes the need for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and international monitoring. - **Comprehensive Approach**: Addresses multiple dimensions, including humanitarian aid, justice and accountability, reconstruction, and psychosocial support. - **Inclusivity**: Highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including affected communities and minority groups. - **Long-term Vision**: Focuses on rebuilding and reconciliation, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and support. Document 2: Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Peace in the Ukraine-Russia Conflict - **Multifaceted Strategy**: Incorporates environmental sustainability, gender equality, and mental health support as critical components of peacebuilding. - **Detailed Implementation Roadmap**: Outlines short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals for peace, including specific actions for each phase. - **Focus on Vulnerable Populations**: Prioritizes the needs of women, children, and those affected by trauma and violence. - **Integration of Various Dimensions**: Stresses the importance of integrating gender and environmental considerations into all aspects of reconstruction and development. ### Common Themes - **Holistic Approach**: Both documents advocate for comprehensive strategies that address immediate needs while also considering long-term stability and recovery. - **International Collaboration**: They emphasize the role of international organizations and cooperation in facilitating peace processes. - **Inclusivity and Representation**: Both documents highlight the importance of including diverse voices in the peace process to ensure legitimacy and sustainability. Overall, both documents present thoughtful frameworks aimed at addressing the complex challenges of achieving peace in Ukraine, focusing on immediate humanitarian needs while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and stability. #UkraineRussiaConflict #PeaceBuilding #ConflictResolution #DiplomacyNow #FeedbackForPeace #SustainablePeace #InclusiveDialogue #HumanRights #NegotiationStrategies #PeaceProcess #EndTheWar #RegionalStability #ConflictPrevention #EarlyWarningSystems #CrisisResponse

PATRIR’s Message on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024 Today, on International Women’s Day, and on every single day of the year, PATRIR stands for the rights, freedom, equality, and dignity of all women, everywhere. Whether across Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, or the Americas, PATRIR calls for full equality, protection, and strengthening of the rights of women and girls. We advocate for full access to quality education, healthcare, and equal opportunity and safety across all areas of life. We support and celebrate the extraordinary work of women and people around the world who stand up for peace, social justice, and human rights in their day-to-day lives. We stand up for equality and dignity for all, in defense of a world devoid of gender-based violence, discrimination, and abuse. Our world is in a moment both of challenge and crisis, and of extraordinary developing possibility. It is shaped by the actions and choices we all make. Today – and every day – as a Peace Institute, our work and commitment are to overcome every form of violence, inequality, and abuse, to continuously strengthen our ability to deal with conflicts effectively and through peaceful means, and to achieve a world in which the dignity and rights of all people are realized and protected. On this International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, we call for an end to the horrible slaughter and crimes against humanity that continue daily in Gaza. We call for the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian hostages held in Israel. We call for greater support for the women and girls of Afghanistan, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Yemen, Iran, and in all areas affected by armed conflict in the world. We call upon all of us, citizens, and governments alike, to recognize the extraordinary toll and failure of armed conflict and war, and call for the abolition of war and investment in proven and effective methods of addressing conflicts through peaceful means. We also call upon governments around the world to double their support for UN Women, humanitarian, cultural, economic, and social programs that invest in the protection of women and girls from domestic violence and all forms of physical and sexual abuse and harassment. We urge governments to champion legislation and active investment and measures to improve equal opportunity and rights in all spheres of life. #InternationalWomensDay #GenderEquality #StandWithWomen