Ms Melanie Hoewer:

I thank the Senator for the contribution and highlighting pressing issues, particularly the area of conflict resolution. Senator Norris rightly outlined the problem of rape not only of women, but also of boys and men. However, the development of the brief of UN Security Resolution 1325 is taking into consideration, particularly when we look at peace tables and decision-making processes, the vast imbalance in terms of men represented around the table and, in most cases, no women. That is the kick-off for the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 process.

Senator Norris mentioned the concept of gender-based violence. Conceptual thinking is wider in that respect but it is very often used as violence against women, etc. However, academic research has widely acknowledged that it is violence against men and women, and the inequality in the structures we are working in, that are the main problem. That must be addressed also.