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Representatives Schakowsky, Noem Lead House in Passing the Women, Peace and Security Act (Video)


WASHINGTON, D.C. —(ENEWSPF)–November 15, 2016.  U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Kristi Noem (R-SD) today led the House in passing H.R.5332, the Women, Peace, and Security Act.  This bipartisan legislation would require the U.S. to develop a comprehensive strategy to increase and strengthen women’s participation in peace negotiations and conflict prevention globally as well as ensure accountability to Congress.

“When women are involved in the peace process, negotiations are more likely to end in a lasting agreement. That’s the simple and powerful idea behind this legislation,” said Schakowsky. “Across time and around the world, women have been uniquely and disproportionately affected by armed conflict. This legislation will ensure that women now have a meaningful role in peace building, conflict resolution, and conflict prevention. The United States plays a crucial role in promoting peace all over the world. By making women’s participation in the peace process a national priority, we will improve national and global security.”

“We live in an extremely volatile and dangerous world where peace negotiations are ongoing in multiple regions,” said Noem.  “Women have proven to be influential forces in producing lasting peace within a community, yet are often underrepresented when it comes to conflict prevention and resolution.  With this legislation in place, we can be assured that women will have a meaningful seat at the table.  I’m hopeful these reforms, as well as the long-term thinking and accountability this legislation requires, will help produce more sustainable outcomes during future conflict resolution and peace negotiation processes.”

Research shows that peace agreements are 35 percent more likely to last at least 15 years when women are involved.  The Women, Peace and Security Act would – for the first time – establish women’s participation as a permanent element of U.S. foreign policy under Congressional oversight.

Reps. Schakowsky and Noem introduced H.R.5332 in May 2016 alongside cosponsors House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY).  Sens. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) have introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

Source: http://schakowsky.house.gov

 

 

 


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