Meaning: The quote "Equality and development will not be achieved however if peace is not understood from women's' point of view" by Jenny Shipley, a prominent stateswoman from New Zealand, encapsulates a powerful message about the crucial role of women's perspectives in achieving sustainable peace and development. This quote underscores the significance of including women's voices and experiences in efforts to promote equality, development, and peace. It also highlights the interconnectedness of these goals, emphasizing that without a comprehensive understanding of peace from women's point of view, true equality and development will remain elusive.

In today's world, achieving gender equality and sustainable development has become a global priority. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outline a comprehensive framework for addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges, with a specific emphasis on gender equality and women's empowerment. However, despite the growing recognition of the importance of women's participation and perspectives, women continue to face significant barriers to full and equal participation in peacebuilding and development processes.

Understanding peace from women's point of view requires acknowledging the unique experiences, challenges, and contributions of women in conflict-affected and post-conflict settings. Women often bear the brunt of armed conflicts, experiencing disproportionate levels of violence, displacement, and loss. Their perspectives on peace are shaped by these experiences, as well as their roles as caregivers, community leaders, and agents of change. Moreover, women's involvement in peacebuilding has been shown to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of peace processes, as they bring diverse insights, priorities, and strategies to the table.

Empowering women to participate in decision-making processes and peacebuilding efforts is not only a matter of justice and human rights but also a strategic imperative for achieving lasting peace and development. When women are actively engaged in conflict resolution and peace negotiations, the resulting agreements are more likely to address the needs of all members of society and lead to more sustainable outcomes. Additionally, investing in women's education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership capacities contributes to broader societal development, as women play a central role in shaping the well-being of their families, communities, and nations.

In recent years, there have been notable advancements in recognizing and amplifying women's voices in peace and development initiatives. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, adopted in 2000, has been a landmark instrument in promoting the inclusion of women in peace processes and decision-making. It calls for the participation of women at all levels of conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding, as well as the protection of women's rights and the prevention of gender-based violence in conflict settings.

Furthermore, numerous grassroots movements, civil society organizations, and initiatives led by women have been instrumental in advancing the agenda of gender-inclusive peace and development. These efforts have sought to address the structural inequalities and discriminatory practices that hinder women's meaningful participation and undermine their contributions to building peaceful and prosperous societies.

In conclusion, Jenny Shipley's quote serves as a compelling reminder of the essential link between understanding peace from women's point of view and achieving genuine equality and development. By embracing and integrating women's perspectives, experiences, and leadership, we can foster more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable pathways to peace and progress. This necessitates not only recognizing the inherent value of women's contributions but also dismantling the barriers that limit their full participation and agency in shaping the future of their communities and the world at large.