On October 24, 2023, a remarkable interactive street art exhibition titled ‘Peace Begins with Her’ took place outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This exhibition aimed to honour the invaluable contribution of women peacebuilders and peacekeepers to the pursuit of peace globally.

Organized by the United Nations Department of Peace Operations, the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UN Women, and the Elsie Initiative Fund, the event featured fifty large portraits of women peacekeepers and peacebuilders as part of an Inside Out Photobooth Action. These portraits served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to ensure the inclusion of women in ending conflict and building sustainable peace.

The exhibition coincided with the annual Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security, where the Security Council assessed women’s participation in peace processes. It highlighted the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), which recognizes the crucial role of women in peace efforts and calls for their full, equal, and meaningful participation.

Despite the progress made since the adoption of Resolution 1325, women’s rights worldwide continue to be threatened, and their voices often silenced. The exhibition shed light on the courage and resilience of women peacebuilders like Joenia Wapichana and Pétronille Vaweka, who have dedicated their lives to promoting peace and dignity in their communities.

In a world marked by conflict and uncertainty, the ‘Peace Begins with Her’ exhibition emphasized the vital role of women in building and protecting peace. By showcasing the stories of UN peacekeepers, local peace activists, and peacebuilders from diverse regions, the exhibition underscored the universal significance of women’s contributions to peace.

As we reflect on the powerful message of ‘Peace Begins with Her,’ we are reminded of the ongoing need to advance women’s full participation in peace and political processes. By adding our voices to the global movement for women’s empowerment and peace, we can collectively strive towards a more inclusive and harmonious world.