Summary of story from Georgetown Patch, December 19, 2011

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this week announced a new effort by government agencies to engage women in the critical processes of peacemaking, prevention programs and nation building in conflict zones.

“Women are not just victims of war they are agents of peace,” said Clinton to a packed room in Georgetown University.

Clinton added 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.

“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.”

She related the new policy to the changes occurring in countries across the world where revolutions have brought down regimes. Here, though, she added, 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 (see WVoN story).

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

Clinton said the programs will take into consideration cultural norms and sensitivities.

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

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

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‘We need more women in politics’: a guest post by the National Women’s Council of Ireland

Eóin Murray, National Women’s Council of Ireland Irish women have this week been left with a bittersweet taste in their mouths after the release of a bill designed to get more women involved in politics. The historic Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Bill 2011 designates mandatory targets for all political parties, stipulating that they run 30% women [...]

For example, women make up just eight per cent of Parliament, clearly unrepresentative of the 51 per cent female population in Ghana. More here.

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Continued here in my blog on women, evolution and enlightenment ~

Recognize and help stop violence (verbal, mental, emotional and physical) against Women and Children