"Mainstreaming Gender" in International Peace and Security: The Case of East Timor

In October 2000, the United Nations Security Council held an historic "open meeting" on women, peace, and security. The Secretary-General spoke of the need for better protection of women and girls in situations of armed conflict and for more women to be involved in peace and security decisions and activities. Many member states supported these views. For example, the Australian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Penny Wensley, noted that "equal access and full participation of women in power structures and their full involvement in all efforts for the prevention and resolution of conflicts are essential for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security."