Today, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) joins the international community in marking the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

This landmark resolution recognized, for the first time, the critical role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and post-conflict reconstruction.

Over the past quarter-century, Resolution 1325 has served as a foundational pillar for advancing women’s rights and participation in peace and security processes worldwide. It has inspired national action plans, legislative reforms, and grassroots movements that have elevated women’s voices in shaping more inclusive and sustainable peace.

“In Afghanistan, the principles of Resolution 1325 remain more relevant than ever. Afghan women have long demonstrated extraordinary resilience, leadership, and courage in the face of extreme adversity,” said Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special-Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Officer in Charge of UNAMA.

“Afghan women continue to bear the disproportionate impact of conflict, exclusion, and the erosion of their fundamental human rights. Despite these challenges, millions of Afghan women continue to financially provide for families, lead communities, deliver humanitarian assistance, educate children, mediate local disputes, and sustain hope for a better future for their families, communities and their country.”

UNAMA reiterates that the meaningful participation of Afghan women in all aspects of public life, including political dialogue and humanitarian response, is essential to Afghanistan’s stability, prosperity, and legitimacy on the world stage.

On this 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325, UNAMA urges all stakeholders, including the de facto authorities, to uphold Afghanistan’s obligations under international law and to restore women’s full participation in public, political, and economic life.