Powerful Gathering in Oslo Marks 25th Anniversary of Landmark UN Resolution on Women, Peace and Security
An urgent call for justice, peace, and gender equality rang out in Oslo as activists, human rights defenders, and policymakers came together to mark the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Hosted by a coalition of organizations including the Rafto Foundation, the conference took place against the stark backdrop of escalating global conflicts, shrinking civic space, and a concerning backlash against women’s rights. The event also came amid increasing violations of international law and attacks on the United Nations.
Among the participants were representatives of a transnational network of courageous women human rights defenders from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. Rouba Mhaissen, Rafto Prize Laureate 2019 and a prominent Syrian-Lebanese activist, was among the key voices contributing to the discussions.
The gathering was not just a time for reflection but for action. Attendees held productive meetings with both the Norwegian Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing the urgency of sustained—and increased—support for women human rights defenders work globally.
The network met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, State Secretary Stine Renate Håheim to Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust and Member of the Norwegian Parliament Ine Eriksen Søreide.
Ingrid Breisteinslien Rosland, Head of the HRD Program the Rafto Foundation, emphasized the relevance of the resolution in today's turbulent context:
“1325 is not just a historical milestone—it’s a living commitment. At a time when women and civil society are under attack, we need to reaffirm that peace is not possible without gender justice.”
As the world marks a quarter-century since the adoption of Resolution 1325, the message from Oslo was clear: women's voices must be central in shaping peace, and their rights must be non-negotiable—now more than ever.
The Organizing Committee consists of The Rafto Foundation, CARE, FOKUS-Forum for Women and Development, Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People's Aid, Peace Research Institute Oslo and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom-Norway.
Contact
Ingrid Breisteinslien Rosland
Head of the HRD Program| Means of contact | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Phone: | +47 92888542 |
| E-mail: | ingrid.rosland@rafto.no |