On July 21st, the Women, Peace and Security Network – Canada hosted an informal consultation on “Mainstreaming the WPS Agenda: A Consultation on Feminist Approaches to Peace and Security International Assistance.” The consultation was well attended by representatives from both civil society and Global Affairs Canada.
The afternoon began with an opening panel on “What would a feminist approach look like in Canada’s development assistance in the peace and security theme?” with comments from Rebecca Tiessen (University of Ottawa) and Pamela O’Donnell (Director and Deputy Head START, Global Affairs Canada). This panel provided the feminist context for the day’s discussions, as well as the perspective of Global Affairs Canada.
Following the panel, there were small group discussions on:
- Mainstreaming a gender perspective in the peace and security thematic — making WPS insights and goals central
- Addressing conflict-related sexual violence and protection issues
- Women’s participation across the peace and security sector
The groups generated key insights and, where possible, specific recommendations for implementing a feminist perspective in the peace and security pillar.
The results of the informal consultation will feed into the brief being prepared by WPSN-C for submission to the review later this week.
A big thank you goes to Oxfam Canada for hosting the consultation!
The background materials provided for the consultation were:
- The WPSN-C’s brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
- WPSN-C’s reflections on Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security of interest, from 2015 and 2014.
- Introductory remarks on ‘advancing women, peace and security’ from the June 7th Global Affairs Canada consultation for the International Assistance Review.
Written by Monique Cuillerier, Membership & Communications Director with World Federalist Movement – Canada.
English