(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Gender balance is key to prosperity, security and peace, and empowering female leadership will contribute to longer-lasting peace, economic recovery and the ability to combat violent extremism, a forum on peace and security discussed on Monday.

The 'Gender Dimensions of International Peace and Security: Keys to Prosperity and Peace' forum, held under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), kicked-off in the Capital on Monday morning.

In a statement released ahead of the conference, Sheikha Fatima said both men and women have important roles to play in life. "Gender balance has been achieved in all areas based on the wise leadership's belief that the daughter of the UAE is a partner to its sons, in the nation's development."

Sheikha Fatima said that the conference will "review ways to unleash the potential of women as an important partner in the building of societies and their contribution to reducing conflicts and crises in war zones."

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State for Tolerance, spoke on behalf of Sheikha Fatima during his opening speech on Monday, saying that women's active participation is necessary in each and every society. "Successful communities and societies benefit from the full participation of women," he said.

Some of the world's most influential experts in peace and security, as well as Emirati women in powerful positions - whether it is by defending their homeland security, or educating the next generation - also shed light about the link between gender equality and international peace and security.

Dr Mouza Al Shehhi, director of UN Women - UAE Liaison Office for the GCC, said making sustainable development goals a reality for women and girls is key. "Every day, I witness firsthand the positive impact and contributions that women have in fostering peace and security around the world."

However, she pointed out that there is much that needs to be done to advance this important agenda. "As you all know, war, violence and conflict have devastating consequences on society. Women often have fewer resources to protect themselves and their children, and they frequently make up the majority of displaced persons and refugees."

In 2000, the United Nations Security Council passed resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, calling for women's meaningful participation in all aspects of preventing and resolving conflicts, as well as in peace-building.

"Women around the world have led peace movements and driven community recovery efforts after conflict. However, they are almost completely missing from peace negotiations, despite UN efforts to set quotas for women's participation."

Dr Al Shehhi stressed that women are systematically excluded from reconstruction efforts, which, in turn, limits their access to economic recovery opportunities, to justice mechanisms, and to participate in shaping and reforming laws in public institutions.

"There is no doubt that women are proven agents of change. They are leaders, decision-makers, mothers, educators, and have the power to transform and impact generations to come. And their perspectives and participation are critical to achieving and sustaining peace."

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