"The mission of the platform "Security.Women.Peace” is implementation of the principles of gender equality in political processes and state institutions, equality and high representation of women in authorities, in the security and defenсe sector and strengthening their role in peacekeeping processes," said the First Vice-Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Iryna Herashchenko during the presentation of the association.
The politician emphasized that the principles of the newly formed platform are in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security - "and it just indicates that Ukrainian women should not only be involved in political processes but also take an active part in peacekeeping processes and reformation of Ukraine’s security and defence sector”.
The First Vice-Speaker stressed that the platform "Security.Women.Peace" is not party and underlined its willingness to cooperate with NGOs and women's volunteer movements.
Iryna Herashchenko reminded that the parliaments of previous convocations had a very low percentage of female politicians. Today, according to her, in the lists of political forces women make from 20 to 40% of their nominal rolls. "This is a very important achievement," the politician said and announced the intention to create an inter-factional association that will deal with these issues after the snap elections. "We welcome the fact that women are represented today in different spheres - they are ministers, politicians or human rights defenders who continue to work on solving basic security and humanitarian challenges," I. Herashchenko stated.
The politician in particular thanked the Vice Prime Minister Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze and the Minister for Veterans Affairs Iryna Frіz for the great work made by the government in reforming the security and defence sector, taking into account the principles of equality, the sector, which has traditionally been quite conservative.
The politician also noted the work of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olena Zerkal, who represents Ukraine in international courts on claims against the Russian Federation, Valeriia Lutkovska (ex-ombudsperson) and the Parliamentary Human Rights Commissioner of Ukraine Liudmyla Denisova who are involved in negotiations on the release of hostages.
"The issue of humanitarian demining is a priority for us, and I am proud that the parliamentarians have co-authored the law "On mine action in Ukraine". We will do everything to monitor the implementation of this law," I. Herashchenko emphasized.
The politician then informed that today more than 55 thousand women are in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with 26,617 servicewomen serving. She emphasized that among the female soldiers, there are only 3,574 officers. Iryna Herashchenko is convinced that it is high time for women to be represented among the leadership of the security forces. "And we will promote this one and other initiatives," she said.
The First Vice-Speaker reminded that the parliament approved the law of Ukraine "On national security of Ukraine", which provides for launching reforms in the law enforcement agencies in accordance with NATO standards, the introduction of civilian control over the special services and the creation of a relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. "We expect that the bill on the reform of the SBU be presented by the President of Ukraine by July 1, 2019," I. Herashchenko underlined.
The politician also noted a pressing need to continue work on international platforms in counteracting the Russian aggression and solving security and humanitarian issues.
"On July 8, there will be a Ukraine-EU Summit in Ukraine to be participated by Federica Mogherini – High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. We expect that Mrs. Mogherini visit not only Kyiv but also the Donbas, as well as meet with relatives of hostages, political prisoners of the Kremlin and prisoners of war," I. Herashchenko declared.
During the meeting the participants discussed the political situation in Ukraine, the situation with the release of the Kremlin’s captives, and how to prevent returning the Russian delegation to PACE during the June session of the Assembly.
The event was also attended by the Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Iryna Friz, the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze, and the deputy head of the Committee on European Integration Mariia Ionova.