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“Gender equality is not a women’s issue, it is a peace and security issue” – Minister Wallström

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Margot Wallström, delivered a speech on ‘Sweden’s Feminist Foreign Policy’ at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKI) on 25 April 2016. Minister Wallström was invited by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Hon. Mangala Samaraweera. The event was attended by government officials, ambassadors, scholars, activists, students, and media personnel.

During her speech, Minister Wallström spoke of sustainable peace; security and development; and the role of women. She highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, improving the means by which conflicts are prevented, building social resilience, ending conflicts in a more effective way, and having the state and organisations increase their support of peaceful societies.

Minister Wallström maintained that a key component of achieving durable peace is a focus on gender equality. Women’s participation in the peace process and post-conflict reconciliation is absolutely vital. As a result, women must actively participate in all decision-making processes and be active in defining priorities. She affirmed that the agenda on women, peace, and security is a top priority for Sweden’s government, and that she is fully committed to women’s social, political, and economic empowerment.

Minister Wallström commended Sri Lanka’s recent progress towards an inclusive society and the promotion of sustainable peace and development following the end of the war.

For a video of her full speech, please click here.