MANILA - Women are underrepresented in peace processes, making up only 26.6 percent of the signatories in global peace agreements, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Monday. Data collected by the United Nations (UN) Women in 2023 also showed that women comprised only 9.6 percent of negotiators and 13.7 percent of mediators worldwide. "These figures are far too low. We must do more. It is possible," Manalo said at the opening of the three-day International Conference on Women, Peace and Security on Monday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. "And necessary, in light of evidence that when women are involved in peace processes, agreements are more likely to be reached, implemented, and sustained." Citing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' 2024 report on Women, Peace, and Security, Manalo noted that regression in women's rights due to global conflict, escalating violence, and a growing backlash against gender equality. Consequently, women and girls live in harrowing conditions in conflict zones and are affected by gender-based violence -- restricted from accessing critical services, and often denied participation in decision-making processes. About 50 percent more cases of conflict-related sexual violence were reported, while the number of women and girls affected by grave violations in armed conflicts increased by 35 percent in 2023. "Even as I speak, conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan add a greater sense of urgency to implementing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda effectively," Manalo said. "These figures remind us this global agenda is profoundly relevant, but it is under stress. These figures call for reinforcing this agenda and making it a reality on the ground, in times of peace and conflict and in the transition towards peace." Financing the future of WPS Manalo said financial support for women's organizations and gender equality initiatives remains insufficient, particularly in conflict-affected regions, despite international commitments. I n 2021 to 2022, only 5 percent of bilateral aid to conflict zones was dedicated to gender equality as a principal objective which is below the 15 percent target of the UN. "For the Philippines, it has been clear that financing gender-responsive peacebuilding efforts is critical to the success of peace and development programs. Our Fourth National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security focuses on financing strategies," he said. He added plans must be resourced to sustain gains, localize initiatives, and foster "a vibrant environment for communities of private and public partners to collaborate on the WPS agenda, including through regional and global platforms." Source: Philippines News Agency