On Tuesday, the United Nations and the African Union, alongside Nobel Peace Prize laureate, criticized governments for their lack of gender equality in peace negotiations. This comes on the eve of International Women’s Day, a day meant to celebrate and recognize the achievements of women all around the world. The U.N. resolution passed in 2000 demanded equal participation for women in talks to end conflicts, but this has not been the case. Sima Bahous, head of the U.N. agency promoting gender equality, expressed her concern with the lack of progress. “The regression in terms of women’s participation in peace processes is a major concern,” she said. The campaigners also highlighted the importance of including women in peace negotiations, as they believe it can help to create more successful and lasting peace agreements. “It is essential that women are included in these processes if we are to achieve sustainable peace and security,” said Joyce Banda, former president of Malawi. The campaigners are now calling on governments to take action and ensure that women are included in peace negotiations. They believe that it is the responsibility of governments to ensure that women are given an equal opportunity to participate in these talks. “It is time for governments to take action and ensure that women are included in all aspects of conflict resolution and peacebuilding,” said Bahous.