NEW YORK—The World Jewish Congress (WJC) convened a high-level side event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to insist on action against violence targeting women in conflict zones and securing a place for women in peacebuilding efforts. The event took place on the sidelines of the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW).
WJC hosted the event in collaboration with We Are Not Weapons of War, the International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW), and the Permanent Missions of Austria, Czechia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, Romania, Israel, and Canada.
The discussion, titled “Women, Conflict, and Peace: A Universal Feminist Vision,” underscored the urgent need to recognize and address violence against women while showcasing the critical role of women leaders in conflict resolution and peacebuilding around the world. Speakers placed a particular emphasis on the impact of Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023 on female victims and drew inspiration from their resilience in the aftermath.
Amb. Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, said, “Far too often, conversations about gender equality are seen as issues alone for women to partake; but if we are truly committed to gender equality then men must listen, men must advocate, and men must stand alongside the brave women fighting for their rights and demand that those rights are upheld.”
Ruth Messinger, Global Ambassador and Former President of the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), added, “The research shows that when women are at the table during peace discussions, groups are more likely to reach some sort of agreement.”
Key themes included:
- The systematic use of gender-based violence in conflict and the necessity of holding perpetrators accountable.
- The barriers to women’s inclusion in peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
- Strategies for strengthening international legal frameworks and policy commitments to gender equality in conflict and post-conflict settings.
Speaking to the significance of the event, May Golan, Israel’s Minister for Social Equality and Women’s Empowerment, shared, “Today, as our brave women hostages return to Israel, having endured the cruelty of terror, we honor their strength and resilience. Their journey reminds us of our duty—to build a future where women are not only present but empowered as decision-makers, shaping a society that is just, equal, and safe. As we mark International Women’s Month, we are reminded that the inclusion of women in leadership is not just a matter of justice—it is essential to building effective, balanced policy, especially in times of crisis. We must ensure women’s voices are heard, their leadership felt, and their impact lasting. This is our moral responsibility—to this generation and the next.”
Yfat Barak-Cheney, WJC Director of International Affairs and Executive Director of WJC’s Technology and Human Rights Institute, added, “As global instability and violence continue to disproportionately impact women, the WJC remains committed to advocating for policies that protect women’s rights, advance gender equality, and ensure that women’s voices are central in shaping a more just and peaceful future.”
Additional speakers included:
- Ariela Blätter, President and CEO, Women In International Security
- Céline Bardet, President and Founder, We Are Not Weapons of War
- Nava Ben-Or, Co-founder, Dinah Project
- Eetta Prince-Gibson, Journalist, member of Dinah Project
- Jennifer Long, CEO, AEquitas
The event was moderated by Marie-Sarah Seeberger, Head of International Affairs, CRIF. Andreea Mocanu, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Romania to the United Nations, delivered closing remarks.
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