Global collaboration key to advancing gender equality

As the world grapples with the challenges of achieving gender equality, a Gender, Peace and Security Analyst, Emmicki Charlotta Roos, has emphasised the need for global collaboration to maintain progress and push the agenda forward. 

She indicated that despite efforts to advance gender equality, resistance persists in some countries, underscoring the importance of working together to ensure that accomplishments are not only sustained but also built upon.

Ms Roos was speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview after the opening session of the Gender Advisers Course organised by the Women Youth Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI) of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Teshie-Accra.

The five-day programme, which commenced last Monday and ended last Friday, was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA). The course welcomed over 25 participants from security agencies and other institutions across Africa.

It aimed to provide participants with knowledgeable, practical tools and skills that would enhance their ability to support gender mainstreaming within their organisations to ensure that the Women, Peace and Security agenda was implemented and adhered to in all operational activities.

Gender equality benefit, misconception

Ms Roos highlighted that gender equality was not solely a women's issue as largely perceived by many but rather “a human issue that benefits both men and women”.

She stated that by engaging men and boys as allies, societies could become more peaceful, prosperous, and stable; adding that research showed that gender-equal societies experienced less conflict, fragility and corruption, and ultimately benefitting the entire population.

The Gender Analyst argued that “a critical step towards achieving gender equality was addressing gender stereotypes from a young age”.

She added that children were socialised into different roles based on their gender, with boys often expected to be strong and tough, while girls were seen as fragile and sweet.

Ms Roos said by teaching children about equality and promoting freedom of expression, societies could empower both boys and girls to reach their full potential.

The Gender Analyst also asserted that some misconceptions about gender equality over the years had been that “it threatens families and social fabrics”.

On the contrary, she said gender equality benefits everyone, and men have much to gain from a more equal society. 

She affirmed that by working together globally, individuals could create a world where everyone had equal rights and opportunities, leading to more peaceful and prosperous lives.

Commitment

In his remarks, the Deputy Commandant of the KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, underscored the importance of recognising and addressing gender-based inequalities as “it is essential to achieving long-term Peace and Security”.

Brig. Gen. Ayorrogo indicated that despite the improvements, women and girls still faced considerable impediments to participation and protection in conflict-affected areas.

He added that “the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security emphasised the significance of gender mainstreaming in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations”.