We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society. In October 2000, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325, the resolution for the first time made violence against women in armed conflict an international security issue. It underlined the need for women to be co-participants on an equal footing with men in peace processes and in peace work in general.

 

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is Afica's first democratically elected female president. Since her inauguration in 2006, she has contributed to securing peace in Liberia, to promoting economic and social development, and to strengthening the position of women.

 

Leymah Gbowee mobilized and organized women across ethnic and religious dividing lines to bring an end to the long war in Liberia, and to ensure women's participation in elections. She has worked to enhance the influence of women in West Africa during and after war.

 

And in the most trying circumstances, both before and during the Arab spring, Tawakul Karman has played a leading part in the struggle for women's rights and for democracy in Yemen.