Gender and global security

Global security and effective disarmament must include women. Women make up more than half of the world’s population, but do not equally participate in decision making in peace and security as men do. Underrepresentation is particularly evident in disarmament diplomacy and technical arms control. What is more, armed violence has differentiated impacts on women, men, boys, and girls. To ensure that policies and programmes deliver for all, disarmament, reintegration and peacebuilding must be shaped by more diverse voices and apply a gender lens.

UNIDIR works to ensure women’s meaningful participation in disarmament diplomacy, to anchor gender-sensitive approaches in global security discussions, and to connect these fields with broader agendas concerning gender equality and sustainable development.