Yakin Ertürk, Director, UN Division for the Advancement of Women
...The issues which widows generally face and those encountered by women in developing countries are cause for serious concern. The situation of widows should continue to be featured on the international fora until they become firmly integrated into the policy agenda.
Role of Conflict Widows in Healing a Hurting World Declaration
India Women's United Nations Report Network (WUNRN) Workshop Organised by The Guild of Service and Supported by UNIFEM
Preamble
This assembly of organisations and individuals involved in the process of prevention
of conflict, reconstruction, peace reconciliation and empowering widows
and other victim groups reiterates that::
While entire communities suffer the consequences of armed conflict and terrorism,
women and girls are particularly affected because of their status in society
as well as their sex".
Women are on the one hand, the main civilian victims of conflicts, they are,
on the other hand, often powerless to prevent them, excluded from the negotiating
tables when it comes to their resolution and marginalised in the post-conflict
reconstruction and reconciliation efforts. The general exclusion of women from
decision-making positions prior to, during and following violent conflict reinforces
their victimization.
Women are more than just victims, they are fighters. Widows are survivors.
Mothers are peace builders.
A vast majority of women affected by conflict are widows as a direct or indirect
consequence of the violence. To the process of peace building they bring sensitivity
tempered by their personal loss, a sense of immediacy
since their families' futures are at stake and surviving skills against all
odds. These qualities once tapped while accelerating the ownership of the process
of reconstruction will help them individually to overcome their
personal traumas.
The peace-building process comprises several stages including conflict prevention,
conflict resolution and post-conflict peace-building and reconstruction. Sustainable
peace requires the full participation of women
particularly those affected by conflicts at each of the stages of the peace
process.
The assembly called on governments to provide a range of diverse support for women and widows.
Download the full text of the declaration ( PDF )
From WRI Newsletter 5 - Full copies of the Newsletter available from WRI office