“We are still far from turning this understanding into universal practice,” Mr. Ban said in a video message to the “Women for Peace” dinner in New York.

Women are still under-represented in decision-making positions – especially when it comes to peace-making, peace-building and peacekeeping – in most nations, he said.

Their informal work towards peace is rarely ever reflected in formal peace processes, the Secretary-General lamented. The concerns of women, who are among those who suffer the most in conflicts, are most often reflected in negotiations.

“When women participate in peace negotiations, and in crafting a peace agreement, their societies are the winners,” he stressed, pledging the UN’s continued support to promote the role of women in peace-building.

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Women vital to peace in post-conflict zones, Security Council hears