VIENNA, 7 December 2021 – OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid launched the OSCE Networking Platform on Women Leaders including Peacebuilders and Mediators. Around 50 women leaders participated in the online event.
The platform connects active women mediators and peacebuilders in the OSCE region. It aims to increase their networking opportunities and strengthen their visibility and influence over formal and informal peace processes.
“A leading role for women at the peacebuilding table is not a benefit, it is a necessity. They are half the population and peace processes cannot be successful without them. One of my top priorities as Secretary General is to support women change makers by promoting dialogue across groups and generations in the OSCE region,” declared Schmid.
At the launch event, participants from the region discussed the contributions of women to peace processes globally and what the OSCE can do to enhance women’s meaningful inclusion towards effective peacebuilding.
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“This networking platform will provide safe spaces where women leaders, including peacebuilders and mediators, can share experiences and feel supported. Given the OSCE’s geographical reach, the Organization is well placed to provide these spaces to enhance women’s participation and influence in peace processes at all levels,” the Secretary General said.
She further announced that one of the first activities of the platform would be a pilot mentorship programme aimed at strengthening the capacity women who are engaged in peacebuilding and mediation in the OSCE region.
Secretary General Schmid is part of the International Gender Champion’s network, part of which involves making public personal commitments to advance gender equality. Actively supporting women change makers is one of her commitments.