The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, today took part in a discussion platform organised by the United Nations with women of political parties of Côte d'Ivoire on the theme: "Women of Political Parties tackle consolidation of peace, national reconciliation and development in Côte d'Ivoire". The opening ceremony was held at the headquarters of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in the presence of the Minister of Education and Professional Training, Mrs Candia Kamara, representing the Minister of Solidarity, Family, Women and Children and some 60 women from the different political parties in Côte d'Ivoire. The event was organised as part of festivities to celebrate International Women's Day on 8 March 2014.



Explaining the framework of event which is part of the United Nations' support to capacity-building programme for Ivorian political actors in an effort to promote a stable environment which is essential to the holding of open, secure, transparent and peaceful presidential elections in 2015, Mrs Mindaoudou recalled the main national priorities. These, she said, are a commitment to national reconciliation, the restoration of confidence and a national dialogue necessary to establish stability and lasting peace in Côte d'Ivoire. "These issues constitute the national priorities. It requires the full participation of all stakeholders, especially women," said the Special Representative.

"Despite their situation as war victims and despite the key role that they assume during periods of trouble and destruction, women remain, more or less absent in peace negotiations," said the chief of UNOCI. "In a society which is coming out of a conflict, which finds itself commitment to the reconstruction of the social fabric, women should take an active role in resolving conflict, in the consolidation and promotion of peace process and security," she noted. In this regard, the Special Representative referred to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 which stressed the need for women to participate in the different conflict resolution processes. She welcomed the involvement of Ivorian women in the consolidation of peace and their active participation in the national reconciliation process and social cohesion at the national and local level.



The Special Representative launched an appeal to women to fully play their role in the ongoing process, especially with regard to promoting political dialogue, national reconciliation, transitional justice, respect for human rights, reform of the security sector and the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration process. She stressed how crucial their support was to maintaining social cohesion, and tolerance in order to establish a peaceful electoral environment.

"As women of political parties, your involvement is even more crucial. You can contribute to the creation of an environment where republican values are respected and this is vital for holding of the election in 2015". Mrs Mindaoudou reaffirmed her personal commitment, UNOCI's and the whole of the United Nations to accompany Ivorian authorities to ensure the full participation of women in socio-political life.



Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Solidarity, Family, Women and Children, Mrs Anne Ouloto, the Ivorian Minister of Education, Mrs Candia Kamara, called for lessons to be learned from the past, while stressing the importance of having a civic attitude.

"More than ever the country is in need of political leaders who are conscious of their role to educate and train the masses...the woman leader must return to her fundamental role, which is to say that she must ensure that

there is cohesion within her community, and to lead that community to the realisation that it everyone's responsibility to work for the good of the community". This discussion platform should be considered as a means to to helping with the beginning a spirit of working together," said the Minister of Education before launching the work groups.



The discussions focused on two major topics, the accompaniment of the United Nations in the consolidation of peace process and the post-crisis reconstruction in Côte d'Ivoire and the role and responsibilities of women in political parties in the post-crisis reconstruction in Côte d'Ivoire.