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Ireland’s NAP on UNSCR 1325 – Successes, Gaps and Challenges

1st November 2013, Iveagh House

On 1 November 2013, a conference entitled “Ireland’s NAP on UNSCR 1325 – Successes, Gaps

and Challenges” was held in Iveagh House, Dublin, to discuss advancing the implementation

Ireland’s National Action Plan on the United Nations’ women, peace and security agenda. The

full-day conference was attended by about 80 participants and 21 speakers. The report below

outlines the context of and preparation for the conference, as well as summarising the discussion

which took place on the day.

Conference Proposal

The Monitoring and Evaluation Group on the implementation of Ireland’s first National Action

Plan (NAP) on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 proposed to host a one day

conference to discuss the successes, gaps and challenges in the implementation of Ireland’s NAP,

as outlined in the Mid-Term Progress Report, published in July 2013. The aims and objectives of

the conference were designed by the Regional and Thematic Sub-Group.

The aim of the conference was to derive methods to advance the implementation of the National

Action Plan over its final 18 months. The intended participation included persons who are active

at grassroots level in the implementation of 1325 objectives. The theme of the conference, as

proposed by the Regional and Thematic Sub-Group was The Participation and Representation of

Women: The Successes, Gaps and Challenges.

It was proposed that after presentation and discussion of the Mid-Term Progress Report, co-

authored by independent consultants, Bronagh Hinds and Karen McMinn, the conference would

encompass discussions on:

The Participation and Representation of Women in conflict/post-conflict situations.

The Participation and Representation of Women in Northern Ireland

The Defence Forces

The Situation of Migrant Women in Northern Ireland.

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It was foreseen that these panel discussions would be followed by an afternoon Q&A session

where the audience could engage with panellists to discuss issues highlighted in-depth. However,

due to lack of capacity and time constraints, it was decided that Q&A sessions would form part of

each panel, directly after presentations. It was also deemed necessary to merge the two

discussions on women in conflict/post-conflict situations, and the situation of migrant women in

Ireland.

Conference Planning

The aims, objectives and proposals of the Regional and Thematic Sub-Group were implemented

by the Conflict Resolution Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in conjunction with a

conference sub-committee the Monitoring and Evaluation Group.

A conference venue was secured within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which

assisted in minimising costs. Panels were formed which featured relevant, high-level participants

with direct experience relating to the implementation of Ireland’s National Action Plan on 1325.

The Conflict Resolution Unit put in significant effort to secure the attendance of Tánaiste and

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Éamon Gilmore, T.D. to open the conference, and of

Tamar Tavartzkilde, UN Women, to deliver the keynote address on UNSCR 1325 and National

Action Plans.

A list of invitees was also created, using contacts from previous related events and suggestions by

members of the Monitoring and Evaluation Group. The audience comprised officials from

relevant Government Departments; representatives from civil society organisations and

grassroots organisations; academics; and practitioners.

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Conference Proceedings

Introduction

The conference was opened by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Éamon

Gilmore, T.D. who discussed the importance of UNSCR 1325, and its effects internationally. The

Tánaiste welcomed the publication of the interim report on the implementation of Ireland’s

National Action Plan, which provided an opportunity for the issue to be presented to the

Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, thus increasing awareness among

legislators and the public.

The Tánaiste described the National Action Plan as “one of a suite of measures through which the

Government is committed to promoting women’s rights and the broader human rights agenda”.

He discussed the new development cooperation policy One World, One Future and discussed how

this recognises the central role of UNSCR 1325 in international development, particularly in the

context of fragile states. The Tánaiste also discussed the wider aim of Irish Aid to ensure gender

mainstreaming in all humanitarian relief efforts, emphasising that where progress is made; this

should be regarded as a positive step, regardless of whether it can be attributed to any particular

policy, or position.

The Tánaiste referred specifically to the role of the Defence Forces in implementing UNSCR 1325,

through the adoption of their own National Action Plan. He praised the Defence Forces in light of

the role played by female officers in peacekeeping operations, and in the development of

peacekeeping expertise at home. The Tánaiste also made specific reference to the use of gender-

based violence as an instrument of terror, or of war, and the need to combat this through

implementation of policies such as UNSCR 1325. The Tánaiste concluded his addressed by

recalling that the National Action Plan is a living document, noting that the Mid-Term Progress

Report had identified ways in which it may be improved, and how the development of the Second

National Action Plan could be approached.

The Chair of the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, Liz Mc Manus, provided a short overview

of the National Action Plan and outlined the role of the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, in

monitoring implementation of the National Action Plan to date, while identifying challenges

requiring further investigation. Liz Mc Manus noted that the Mid-term Progress Report

acknowledges excellent progress achieved, as well as identifying areas for improvement in

implementation. Liz Mc Manus concluded her introduction by thanking relevant Government

Departments/Offices for progress made to date on implementation, noting that this was lacking

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in some Departments. She noted and regretted the absence of representatives from the

Department of Justice and Equality.

Presentation of the Mid-Term Progress Report – Bronagh Hinds and Karen McMinn

The independent co-authors presented their key findings on the implementation of Ireland’s

National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325.

It was noted that the Mid-Term Progress Report was the second published review of a National

Action Plan globally, which demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Successes were also noted in relation to gender mainstreaming; protection and prevention of

Gender-Based Violence; and international lobbying and advocacy. In delivering these successes,

Irish Aid, the Defence Forces and the Conflict Resolution Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs and

Trade, were recognised as key actors. Another key strength identified was the diversity of actors,

skills and commitment dedicated to implementation of the NAP.

A lack of coherence in the National Action Plan was identified: it was noted that some expansive

outcome impact statements were not always accompanied by significant actions or indicators. A

severe shortage of baseline data was identified, but it was noted that the Mid-Term Progress

Report would serve as a baseline for future monitoring and evaluation. A recommendation was

made to deepen the focus on participation and representation of women, particularly concerning

the empowerment of women. A need for greater co-ordination and leadership across

Government Departments was identified, along with the effective harnessing of the expertise of

Civil Society Organisations.

The report examined the 5 Pillars of the National Action Plan and the following findings were

presented:

Pillar 1 – Prevention:

o The Defence Forces were commended for their action on UNSCR 1325. In particular, the

development of a Defence Forces specific Action Plan was highlighted as a key achievement.

o However, the progress report noted a lack of evidence of impact as 1325 specific actions are

not highlighted or singled out.

Pillar 2 – Participation and Representation:

o Funding of organisations particularly by Irish Aid, Anglo-Irish Division and Conflict Resolution

Unit was positively recognised.

o The level representation of women in Irish Defence Forces peacekeeping missions was also

noted as positive.

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o The report highlighted the need to encourage and increase representation at all levels.

Pillar 3 – Protection of Women:

o The report noted the positive work achieved in terms of funding and in programmes such as

“raising voices” in Uganda.

o It was recommended that the focus should be on changing social norms around Gender

Based Violence and changing the attitudes of men in local communities.

Pillar 4 – Relief, Recovery and Rehabilitation:

o Successes were noted in relation to DFA supported research into the legacy of paramilitary

violence and its impact on gender based violence in Northern Ireland.

o The report identified a need to broaden activity beyond social sector security reform.

o It also recommended that there is a need to engage and consult women to make the

programmes on Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration gender sensitive to meet

the needs of women on the ground.

Pillar 5 – Promotion of UNSCR 1325:

o A high level of commitment was noted in terms of strategic influence and in particular, the

activity of Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Security Council

debates on Women, Peace and Security, along with Ireland’s contribution within the Human

Rights Council.

o Ireland was also recognised for its consistent and significant contributions in Europe within

the OSCE, the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy and in other multilateral bodies.

Other key findings included:

Ireland was recognised as a pioneer in Cross-Learning and the present challenge is to

maximise the impact of this process.

Civil Society engagement must be maintained, while CSOs must deliver results based on the

platform in place.

Data collection was highlighted as a key concern which needs to be improved to work towards

the governance of the National Action Plan, and to aid the recognition of achievement.

Gender and 1325 capacity within and across Government Departments and CSOs must be

strengthened. The role of political leadership, and the lead Department, was highlighted as

vital in increasing 1325 capacity, which is distinguishable from gender equality.

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The Mid-Term Progress Report made proposals in terms of the development of the 2nd National

Action Plan:

Increase coherence through broader actions and indicators and specific Departmental Action

Plans which link into the broader NAP (using example of Defence Forces)

Adopt a transformative versus a bureaucratic approach, and adopt measures which are aimed

at real measurable results

Develop a common monitoring and reporting system which is linked to pillar outputs,

outcomes and impacts to assist in smarter governance.

Develop an approach to identifying resources dedicated to 1325.

The report also recommended specific actions for inclusion:

Align the second National Action Plan with One World, One Future.

Use membership of UN Human Rights Council and other bodies to advance UNSCR 1325 and

align it with the post-2015 development agenda.

Continue to work in the area of recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces.

Broaden pillar 4 – Relief, Recovery & Rehabilitation – across a range of issues and actions for

fragile, conflict and post-conflict states

Focus on empowerment of women as agents of change, and advancing participation and

representation in institutions, conflict mediation and peace processes, while also extending

empowerment across all pillars

Support lesson sharing on National Action Plans between conflict-affected countries where

Ireland is engaged.

Target engagement in Northern Ireland, focusing on Cross Border bodies and the British

Government to promote implementation of 1325 issues in Northern Ireland. Develop actions

across pillars to include multi-level engagement, empowerment, participation and

representation, Gender-Based Violence, and the legacy of the past.

Take specific actions in relation to refugee and asylum seeking women and girls from conflict-

affected areas living in Ireland, developing a more holistic approach which would be aided by

a Departmental Action Plan by the Department of Justice and Equality.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was identified as the lead Department driving

implementation. The report also suggested that political leadership and 1325 must be embedded

in the foreign policy framework as a priority, through the new Statement of Strategy. It was

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suggested that DFA should also have an internal action plan, linking the work of various relevant

units and divisions.

The role of the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee was defined as overseeing implementation,

and not driving it. It was suggested that the role of this committee be clarified, with a clear

purpose and processes, and that importance should be placed on partnership and collective

responsibility.

Panel Discussion on Findings of Mid-Term Progress Report

Government Departments and Agencies were invited to present their response to the findings of

the Mid-Term Progress Report. Department of Justice and Equality were unable to be

represented at the conference. Brendan Ward, Director Conflict Resolution Unit, Department of

Foreign Affairs, David Byrne, Department of Defence and Lt. Col. Ollie Barbour, Defence Forces

represented their respective Departments/Agencies.

Defence Forces – Lt. Col. Ollie Barbour

The importance of the Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence was recognised in providing

the foundation for the implementation of UNSCR 1325. The Defence Forces have engaged in

lesson learning from Scandinavian counter-parts, particularly in the area of Gender Based

Violence. The Defence Forces’ Action Plan is now signed off on and is an implementing document

specific to that agency. As part of this implementation, action has been undertaken on training

and reviewing the Defence Forces Code of Conduct, which takes a zero tolerance approach. The

issue of female representation in the Defence Forces was discussed, with recruitment and

retention identified as particular areas of attention. It was noted that women bring something

new and different to peacekeeping operations.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The National Action Plan was discussed as living document which is in the process of

transformation. The dependence of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on other

Departments and agencies in implementing actions around 1325 was highlighted. Within the

Conflict Resolution Unit, the need to ensure that internal policies implement 1325 effectively was

discussed, while also ensuring that partners who are in receipt of funding are also conscious of

this. The need for a joined up government approach, with clear undertakings included in the next

Statement of Strategy, was noted.

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Department of Defence

The role of the Department of Defence in training on issues relating to UNSCR 1325 was

discussed. The progress report was recognised as useful in highlighting the need to evaluate

training programmes, and to report on and monitor overseas missions.

Question and Answers:

The need for improved baseline data and the effective recording of 1325-related activity was

widely discussed and supported. Similarly, the inclusion of smaller and broader actions in the

next National Action Plan was encouraged. The work of the Monitoring and Evaluation was

commended in certain areas, while the lack effective monitoring in respect of certain

Departments and agencies was noted. The need to protect women and girls from post-conflict

situations in Ireland was emphasised as a key concern.

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Keynote Address: Tamar Tavartzkilde

Tamar Tavartzkilde from the UN Women office in Georgia gave the keynote address which

discussed UNSCR 1325 as an international legislative framework. The role of UN Women in

supporting Governments inimplementing UNSCR 1325 was presented, emphasising the

importance of political will at a national level, which is influenced by civil society lobbying.

Progress reporting was noted as essential to highlight what is working in terms of

implementation. Giving CSOs the opportunity to document progress, and draw up shadow

reports is regarded as best practice in this regard. Engagement with multilateral organisations,

such as the UN and the EU was also discussed as a key factor in effective implementation.

Georgia’s National Action Plan was used in providing an example of how engagement with Civil

Society Organisations can work in practice. The Gender Equality Council of the Parliament was

formed which produced an outcome document on the implementation of UNSCR 1325. The best

practices of the Netherlands in civil society engagement and implementation was harnessed: The

need to promote and raise awareness of 1325 was recognised as it had not yet reached policy

level. A dedicated Civil Society Group was established to promote and ensure engagement with

the process. Consultation was carried out with over 100 people at grassroots level on the basic

needs of conflict-affected communities in relation to Women, Peace and Security. An effort was

also made to promote the topic nationally through dedicated events and special media coverage.

Georgia is the only country which has included CSOs as signatories of the final outcome

document. The need for balanced cooperation between Government and Civil Society has been

regarded as key in the implementation process. The National Action Plan has gone through a

renewal process which has involved technical assistance from UN Women, NGO representatives

and other international and regional organisations.

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Session 2: Women, Security and Peacekeeping

This session was aimed at generating ideas which could aid the Defence Forces and other security

sector agencies in their work, particularly looking at enhancing the number of applications from

women in recruitment campaigns. It also aimed to examine the gender training provided to staff

and the effect this has on decision making processes, on the ground, and in interactions with

other Defence Forces.

Shirley Graham- National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) Representative

Shirley Graham presented her PHD research on the topic of “Gender Discourses in the Social

Relations of Irish Peacekeepers & Possibilities for Transformation”, which focused on the

challenges to including women in peacekeeping operations. It was noted that this research could

be used as baseline data for the Defence Forces on how women are positioned within missions.

This research found that women brought something different to a mission, with a diversity of

experience and knowledge. Women are now regarded as necessary because they can undertake

gender-specific actions and make connections with diverse elements of local communities.

However, the research also showed that in some situations, the presence of women is perceived

as a negative by male peacekeepers, who position women as causing difficulties (i.e. due to

cultural norms in host nations some civilian men do not want to engage with women

peacekeepers and this can be magnified as a barrier to women’s inclusion; also some non-

western peacekeepers do not take women’s role as peacekeepers seriously; and lack of facilities

can be used as an excuse not to deploy women to certain mission areas). There is a concern

amongst some of the women interviewed that UNSCR 1325 will only promote “women-facing”

roles for women in the Defence Forces, If roles such as CIMIC are perceived as ‘feminized’ the

likelihood is that they will be devalued, as has happened to other jobs which have become

‘women’s jobs’. Concerns also exist relating to perceived favouritism of women in an attempt to

implement aspects of 1325 and the potential backlash this would have on those women from

their male peers.

The research found that a transformation of military culture is necessary in order to incorporate

women as equal members. It was noted that a plan of action must ensure that women are

positioned to occupy various roles, ranks, tasks and jobs on a mission. This would demonstrate to

civilian women in post-conflict situations that the UN and national militaries take gender equality

and the implementation of 1325 principles seriously.

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Cmdt. Jayne Lawlor - Defence Forces

The current percentage of women in the Defence Forces was noted as 6.2% and the Defence

Forces reported its pride in having full integration of females within the force. The need to

maintain standards was highlighted, noting that female soldiers must be just as capable as males.

The challenge for the Defence Forces was presented as needing to increase participation and of

women without a lowering of standards. Retention was also identified as an issue for the Defence

Forces which can be supported by the introduction of family friendly policies.

Training on issues related to 1325 is regarded as a necessity prior to overseas deployment. It was

noted that the Defence Forces’ Action Plan aims to put gender at the top of the agenda, but that

training must also allow gender issues to travel from the bottom up. The inclusion of females was

highlighted as an operational tool which can be utilised, particularly in relation to civilian

populations.

David Byrne, Department of Defence

It was noted that the Department of Defence is tasked with ensuring the Defence Forces is

prepared to undertake overseas missions and this is aided by cooperation at EU level, and

through other multilateral fora, including NATO. It was reported that issues relating to 1325 fit

well within the EU framework in preparing for missions overseas. Training was identified as a key

area where gender issues can be incorporated, and awareness raised on relevant areas of

concern.

Superindendent Louise Synnott, An Garda Síochána

It was noted that An Garda Síochána have had women in the force since 1959 and so, the issues

faced by organisations like the Defence Forces have been previously dealt with. An Garda

Síochána have a small overseas presence and it was noted that the focus is on how personnel can

influence and impact on areas and local communities when abroad. Pre-deployment training and

briefing was described as crucial to maximise influence. In terms of measurement, it was

suggested that it is necessary to measure the impact of pre-deployment training, and its relevant

impact overseas.

Question and Answers

It was suggested that while the Defence Forces should not lower its standards, these could be

changed to better accommodate females and to introduce femininity as a feature of the Defence

Forces. Jayne Lawlor responded that for soldiers, there must be a certain level of physicality, and

that standards should not be lowered to accommodate women as this would mean they would

be “pigeon-holed” into certain roles.

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Session 3: 1325 in Northern Ireland

This session was chaired by Bronagh Hinds and sought to examine the political role of women in

Northern Ireland in the 1325 context. The panel included political representation, community

group representatives and official representation from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Paula Bradley, MLA and Chair of All-Party Group on UNSCR 1325

The All Party Working Group on UNSCR 1325 looks towards the UK National Action Plan to

identify how recommendations can be implemented in Northern Ireland. It was noted the

meetings of this group are poorly attended, with a lack of knowledge in the membership on

UNSCR 1325 and its aims and objectives. It was suggested that were a National Action Plan

adopted, political parties would be keen to be associated with this. The problems associated with

defining the conflict in Northern Ireland was identified as a primary obstacle to the

implementation of 1325. Female participation was highlighted as a key concern in Northern

Ireland, and female representatives were identified as having a particular role in encouraging

women to engage in the political process.

Avila Kilmurray, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is interested in the role of women in a peace

building context. It was reported that there is an emerging belief that during the years of violence

there had been a sense of fear which bonded single identity communities but now this fear has

become more individualised. There is a concern over the increased levels and severity of

domestic violence, and particularly how this impacting on young women.

The unresolved legacy of the past was discussed, particularly in the case of women. It was

suggested that the culture of politics can be alienating to women, but there is a reluctance

amongst women to criticise the system for fear of destabilising the fragile peace. Further to this,

it was suggested that the continuing fear of paramilitaries in communities means that women

continue to be silent. The role of women was highlighted as particularly important in cross

community work, which is still at an early stage. It was suggested that women must be educated

in the area of leadership.

The lack of definition of the conflict in Northern Ireland was noted as a key obstacle in the

implementation of UNSCR 1325. However, it was suggested that 1325 can be implemented at

local or community level, as well as through all-island initiatives. It was recommended that

emphasis be placed on female participation in decision making, domestic and sexual violence,

mainstreaming of women’s voices, and gender dimensions in budgeting and allocation of funding.

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Kate McCullough, Northern Ireland Women's European Platform (NIWEP)

It was noted that the UK mission to the United Nations has acknowledged that there is a need for

UNSCR 1325 to be implemented in Northern Ireland. It was further noted that the UN’s

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has recognised twice

that 1325 should be implemented in Northern Ireland, yet women continue to be

underrepresented in decision making. The work of NIWEP in bringing women at grassroots level

to the table, informing them on UNSCR 1325, and how it can be implemented was presented. The

Westminster Oral inquiry which was due to take place in December was identified as a key

opportunity to draw out issues relating to gender equality and the implementation of 1325.

Niall Burgess, Anglo-Irish Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The increased funding of women’s groups and organisations through the reconciliation fund was

noted, along with the fact that funding allocated to other organisations often has implementation

of UNSCR 1325 as a priority, or an ethos in line with 1325. It was noted that Anglo-Irish Division

have undertaken a review of the reconciliation fund to ensure that real outputs and value for

money are achieved.

The EU Peace IV programme has been secured and it was reported that there is ongoing

discussion as to how its priorities can support the implementation of 1325. The priority of Anglo-

Irish division to consciously plan programmes and visits which deliver real insight into what is

happening on the ground was discussed. The role of local communities was highlighted as being

vital in Northern Ireland, along with the associated need to support their work.

Question and Answers

The manner in which organisations in the Republic can aid the implementation of 1325 in

Northern Ireland was submitted as a topic for discussion and participants noted the need to

identify synergies between the Irish and UK Action Plans on UNSCR 1325 and use these to draw

up a “People’s Action Plan” which could be presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The linkage between women and children’s development was also noted and the need for a

comprehensive childcare strategy which allows for employment training and full participation

was recognised.

Within the political sphere, it was noted that men are dominant in representation and the need

to repeatedly contest the idea that this is primarily a women’s issue was highlighted.

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Session 4: The Participation of Women in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations

This session discussed the situation of women who are affected by National Action Plans and

particularly, in case of women who travel to Ireland from conflict affected areas.

Lea Valentini, Trócaire

The need for sexual and gender based violence in conflict situations to be addressed by all actors

was highlighted. It was proposed that women want to be viewed as effective agents of change. In

this sense, women’s empowerment was regarded as key and it was suggested that women

should be able to bring their own perspective to peacebuilding. Particular barriers in certain

situation were noted, such as traditional norms which do not permit women to speak out and a

need for the international community to support programmes which address these issues was

identified.

A need to encourage and support women into political representation was also discussed, which

requires a long-term systematic and holistic approach, involving the wider community, including

men. National level advocacy was also regarded as important, which would involve

demonstrating that legal frameworks can have a real impact on daily lives of women.

Mariaam Bhatti

It was noted that there has been a large increase in the number of women who are migrating

independently from conflict affected areas, and very often they do not arrive in their intended

destination. The often difficult conditions of migrant women were highlighted, along with the

need to effectively protect their rights. The need to find a solution at national level in terms of

legal framework was identified as a key priority.

Salome Mbugua, AkiWda

Language barriers were discussed as a particular barrier for women travelling from conflict

affected areas, and the need to allocate resources to programmes dealing with this difficulty was

identified to encourage women to effectively communicate their experiences and needs. The

voices of women who have experienced conflict were identified as a crucial input when

implementing provisions related to UNSCR 1325. It was also noted that there is often a problem

of integration between the different migrant communities within women’s support networks and

effective solutions must be found to deal with this. The need to design and introduce supports for

asylum seeker women which follow gender guidelines was identified a key concern and an issue

for immediate attention.

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Sue Conlon, Irish Refugee Council

The mostly positive reaction of Ireland in respect to Syrian claims for asylum was recognised and

it was noted that Ireland has demonstrated some success in resettlement as migrants are

beginning to get a sense of belonging thanks to citizenship ceremonies. However, it was noted

that the EU is building bigger barriers for safe travel of people to the EU, and Ireland inherently

forms part of this policy.

The lack of a single protection procedure and the absence of suitable reception provision were

identified as key failures which require immediate attention. The unsuitability of the current

system for victims of torture to be rehabilitated was identified as a key concern. It was suggested

that commitments in Irish foreign policy must be matched to the treatment of asylum seekers in

Ireland, who are currently excluded from national integration strategies.

Fiona Finn, Nasc – Irish immigrant Support Centre

It was suggested that caution must be exercised to avoid discourses which do not differentiate

between migrant women. Family life was highlighted as a key mechanism in ensuring that

migrants participate effectively in society. It was suggested that the state must pre-empt

difficulties faced by families who have been reunited, and must implement measures to prevent

these difficulties.

Question and Answers

The single protection procedure was discussed further with many noting the need to introduce

this as soon as possible.

It was noted that female empowerment is aided by lesson and experience sharing and it was

suggested that art and culture should be used to allow women to voice their experiences.

Language supports were recognised as vital and funding should be allocated accordingly.

The lack of interest and political will in some Departments on 1325 issues was discussed. It was

suggested that positive developments are being achieved yet these are not being identified as

actions related to the National Action Plan. It was suggested that these issues should be

identified to the relevant Department. There was some concern that some Departments saw

1325 as an issue for DFAT, and this thinking needed to be changed.

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Closing Remarks

The Chair of the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, Liz McManus, closed the conference by

thanking the conference organisation committee for their work in the preparation of the event.

She thanked the panel participants for their presence and passion. She noted that 1325 is about

the conquest of fear, whether this is in the face of deportation, violence, intimidation or

powerlessness and highlighted the need for Ireland to play its part in conquering this fear, and its

effects, felt by so many women.