The issue of gender, specifically the participation of women and the LGBTI community, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) in the political life of the country, will be included in the final peace agreement reached between the government of Juan Manuel Santos and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP).
This represent a vital component to the construction of a peaceful Colombia, according to an announcement made on July 24, in Havana, site of the talks, during which a draft agreement on the issue was signed by the two delegations, who noted that one of their key aims is to promote a culture of participation and inclusion, as women, minorities and marginalized communities.
María Paulina Riveros, government representative of the Gender Sub-Commission to the talks, stated that the accord recognizes the equal rights of men, women and individuals of various sexual and gender orientations, as citizens, political subjects, actors, and development models.
She also noted that cases of gender violence will not be eligible for amnesty.
Riveros stated that the agreement includes measures across six axes with a focus on women’s active participation in society, in order to create a more democratic country.
For her part, gender sub-commission FARC-EP representative, Victoria Sandino, noted that guaranteeing equal access to rural property and economic rights for these sectors of society also features within the agreement.
The guerilla fighter noted that key aspects of the issue include gender violence and drug use, and emphasized the importance of a special handling of gender based crimes and those committed against minorities.
Building peace under conditions of equality is a top priority for the FARC-EP, stated Sandino.
The Gender Sub-Commission was launched during the talks two years ago to analyze points on the peace agenda from a gendered perspective, such as comprehensive land reform, political participation, and a solution to the problem of illegal drugs, among others.
UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, alongside representatives of guarantor nations Rodolfo Benítez, (Cuba) and Dag Nylander (Norway), attended the signing of the agreement.
Also participating in the event were UN Women Regional Director for the Americas and Caribbean, Luiza Carvalho, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence, Zainab Hawa Bangura.
