Time for Women to Call the Shots

Women’s participation in high-level foreign policy is a matter of global security. Ten years ago, the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security. In short, “1325” (as the international law is known among advocates) seeks to elevate the decision-making of women in war zones and protect women during armed conflict. As the U.N. recognizes the anniversary of that historic action, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has seized the opportunity to enable women around the world to promote peace where more traditional players (often the combatants themselves) have failed. Unfortunately, examples of the U.N. member states promoting strong advocates for women are few and far between, and weak attention has prevented much progress.