Gender Balance in Disarmament Meetings

Women remain underrepresented in arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament processes and diplomacy. Women make up only one third of participants in larger meetings and only about one fifth in smaller forums with fewer than 100 participants. Gender equality is a fundamental human right, and failing to involve women undermines their right to participate in shaping policies applicable to all. There is also wide recognition that equal, full and effective participation of women and men is vital to the maintenance of sustainable peace and security. Diverse partnerships and inclusive decision-making are catalysts for more effective and sustainable action.

* Including one-person delegations. Owing to COVID-19, physical presence in the sessions was reduced. Source: First Committee list of participants (A/C.1/75/INF/2)
** Out of a total of 64 delegations. Source: Conference on Disarmament list of participants (CD/INF.79/Rev.2)

Resources

UNIDIR, Still Behind the Curve (2019)

UN, Secretary General Disarmament Agenda Action 36 and 37 (2018) on women’s equal participation disarmament and arms control

UNLIREC, Forces for Change IV (2020) on the role of women in disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

UNIDIR, Gender in Cyber Diplomacy