International Women's Day: "Respect for women's rights even more fundamental in wartime"

For more than a century, 8 March – International Women's Rights Day – has been used to highlight women's social, political, economic and cultural achievements, while promoting gender equality and the human rights of women and girls. This last point is particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Human rights are all too often violated during wartime. In this context, women and girls are particularly vulnerable. History shows that wars and conflicts very often increase their risk of becoming victims of war crimes, including many forms of violence, arbitrary executions, rape and human trafficking.

Sophie Wilmès: "International Women's Day is an opportunity to draw attention to the precarious situation of women and children fleeing Ukraine, which is of great concern to us. The vast majority of people fleeing this war are women and children – I was able to see this for myself yesterday on the border between Poland and Ukraine. Their situation is very difficult, and as the conflict continues and more and more people are forced to leave, the risk of violence against them will only increase. Belgium supports the solidarity actions by Ukraine's neighbours and will continue to provide support."

In a context of conflict and war, it should also not be forgotten that women and girls are not only at increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence, but that they can also be used as combatants. In addition, they often have little to no involvement in peace talks and reconstruction preparations. As a result, their specific needs are neither heard nor taken into account.

Ludivine Dedonder: "As Minister of Defence, I am delighted that there is a framework within my department where gender equality is evident. The Ministry of Defence is already committed to continuing to apply gender equality structurally, both in its internal and external policies and in the performance of its missions at home and abroad. But unfortunately, this is not the case everywhere. In uncertain times, with a war on the European continent, we must have more regard to respect for women than ever. The focus on violence against women – even during this terrible conflict – must never, ever slacken. Women who flee in the hope of a better life, or women who have not had the chance to flee yet: they must be left in peace, just like all the other women who are all too often victims of treacherous acts during conflicts. We must therefore work flat out to raise awareness of the real threat posed to women, and continue to lead by example ourselves with women in key positions within our own society and structures."

Meryame Kitir: "Girls and women face enormous challenges today. Women make sacrifices to give their families a better future. Young girls are denied opportunities to grow up the way they want to. We see this today both close by, in Ukraine, and in our partner countries. I will continue to fight for girls and women to have equal opportunities. I will do so together with other women, as well as men. For if we are to effectively pursue greater equality, we must also ensure that more men become our allies. We will work on this along with our local and international partners. Only then can everyone, anywhere in the world, have the opportunity to be who they want to be."

In this context, Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès and Ministers Ludivine Dedonder and Meryame Kitir want to promote the fourth Belgian National Action Plan "Women, Peace and Security," which the federal government approved on 25 February. This plan will consistently implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325, with the goal of improving the situation of women and girls in (post-)conflict situations.

Specifically, the Plan of Action envisages continuing to push for increased participation of women in diplomacy, development cooperation and defence, as well as the presence of women at the negotiating table. The Action Plan also implies that conventions that improve the situation of women and empower them must be observed. Initiatives that facilitate access to justice for women and girls must be supported.

An important role in the implementation of this Action Plan is reserved for Belgian embassies and diplomatic missions, which are already internationally known as strong advocates for women's rights. On International Women's Day – but also throughout the year – they will continue to actively promote the Belgian policy on gender equality, including through various events such as conferences, meetings with students, webinars and so on.