Weapons and armed conflict have gendered impacts.

 

People are differently involved in and impacted by weapons, armed conflict and security based on their gender and other factors. For example, weapons are often used to facilitatesexual and gender-based violence and to reinforce violent, gendered social norms. Additionally, whereas men make up the majority of landmine victims, whereas women are more likely to be affected by explosive weapons in residential areas. Health effects experienced by victims of weapons may also differ based on their sex. Growing complexity requires diversity. By translating gender awareness into policy action, we help ensure that arms control and disarmament measures deliver for everyone.

Strengthening the role of women and diversity of voices in disarmament will advance our collective goals in disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. In 2006, the United Nations General Assembly FirstCommittee, concerned with disarmament and related international security questions, had its very first female Chairperson. Mona Juul of Norway and was elected to Chair by acclamation. 2024 marked only the second time that a female Chairperson of the First Committee, Ambassador Maritza Chan from Costa Rica, has taken up this role.




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