Politics & Government

Secretary Clinton Calls For Full Involvement of Women in Peace Processes

Clinton spoke at Georgetown Monday, announcing the National Action Plan on women, peace and security.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today announced a new effort by U.S. government agencies to engage women in the critical processes of peacemaking and promoting lasting security efforts in conflict areas. The new program calls for federal agencies to coordinate their efforts while working in conflict zones and to create institutional support for the inclusion of women in prevention programs, peacemaking and nation building.

"Women are not just victims of war they are agents of peace," said Clinton to a packed room in Gaston Hall on the .

Clinton said that when women are included in peace processes they focus on issues often overlooked in formal negotiations—topics like justice, human rights, national reconciliation and economic renewal.

Find out what's happening in Georgetownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"This is not just a woman's issue. It cannot be relegated to the margins on international affairs. It truly does cut at the heart of our national security and the security of people everywhere," she said.

Clinton added that the current system under the current rules, "just doesn't get the job done."

Find out what's happening in Georgetownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The new national policy has five tenets:

  1. Women should be engaged and protected for the role the play as "agents of peace and stability."
  2. The U.S. will build on and enhance existing initiatives to enhance gender equality, to empower women, to protect human rights and to help the helpless during times of conflict.
  3. The policy will be guided by a focus on inclusion of a broad group of stakeholders.
  4. U.S. agencies will coordinate activities among departments and between agencies and will seek to integrate policies with international partners.
  5. Agencies will be held accountable for implementing the policies set for in the new plan.

Clinton related the new policy to the changes occurring in countries across the world where revolutions have brought down regimes and the people are beginning the process of creating a better system for themselves. Here, though, she said, women are being excluded and, in many cases, abused.

Clinton said troubling news out of Egypt about the treatment of women is just one example of the problem with the current system.

"This systematic degradation of Egyptian women dishonors the revolution, disgraces the state and its uniform, and is not worthy of a great people," said Clinton, adding, "The world cannot afford to continue ignoring half the population."

Clinton said the programs will take into consideration cultural norms and sensitivities and will work within the community to find a way to make improvements that do not challenge fundamental cultural elements.

But, she added, there are certain places where you have to draw a line.

"Beating women is not cultural, it’s criminal," she said.

After laying out her new plan, which President Barack Obama signed Monday morning, Clinton said she knows it is an "ambitious agenda," but she said it has to be.

"Our goal is to fundamentally change the way we do business," said Clinton.

Georgetown University announced that in response to Clinton's call to action, the Walsh School of Foreign Service is launching an initiative that could ultimately create an institute that supports "scholarship, research and outreach on Women, Peace, Security and Development."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here