PP17 Hosts International Discussion to Advance Gender Equality

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Fulton | 170309-N-OU129-009 MATARA, Sri Lanka (Mar. 9, 2017) Mr. Kuniyoshi Ito delivers opening remarks during the Pacific Partnership 2017 Women, Peace and Security symposium during Pacific Partnership 2017 Sri Lanka March 9. Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific and aims to enhance regional coordination in areas such as medical readiness and preparedness for manmade and natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Fulton/Released)  

SRI LANKA

03.09.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Fulton 

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific

MATARA, Sri Lanka (NNS) -- Representatives from Sri Lanka, Japan, Australia, the United States and the United Nations joined Sri Lankan civic leaders in Matara, Sri Lanka to attend the Pacific Partnership 2017 (PP17) Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Discussion March 9.
“Today we are joining with the Pacific Partnership team and an international panel to discus WPS and the United Nations resolution on the subject,” said Alena Tansey, Deputy Director, Office of Governance and Vulnerable Populations USAID Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “WPS encompasses many different ideas, and coming together to share our different perspectives and unique experiences helps us to expand our knowledge and develop better strategies for advancing gender equality.”
The event, held in conjunction with International Women’s Day, enabled the various experts to share their respective countries’ national action plans for implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325) while discussing the best methods for protecting women and girls from gender-based violence in situations of armed conflict.
The U.N. adopted UNSCR1325 on October 31, 2000. The resolution reaffirmed the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and post-conflict reconstruction. The Pacific Partnership WPS discussion highlighted the importance of enabling equal participation and full involvement of women in all efforts related to the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.
“A small gender gap and stronger women’s rights reduce the likelihood of internal conflict and external conflict at the state level, while also being linked to more durable peace agreements and higher rates of trust within the government,” said Tansey. “The evidence shows that tangible improvement of healthcare, life expectancy, economic development, and long-term peace and stability all correlate to a higher degree of gender equality and are more likely to endure when women are meaningfully involved. It was very encouraging to see such a diverse group of men and women come together to advance equality and inclusion at the PP17 discussion.”
Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific and aims to enhance regional coordination in areas such as medical readiness and preparedness for manmade and natural disasters.
Now in its 12th year, Pacific Partnership continues to enhance regional partnerships and host nation relationships through civil-military cooperation, medical exchanges, and inter-government agency coordination.

• Date Taken: 03.09.2017
• Date Posted: 03.10.2017 11:18
• Story ID: 226457
• Location: LK