Britain announced on Tuesday it would be putting girls and women at the heart of its work to end conflict in nine countries including Iraq, Nigeria and South Sudan.
“Empowering women and girls … improves peace and stability, economic growth and poverty reduction,” senior ministers said in a National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
The ministers said women and girls were disproportionately affected by conflict, but were also part of the solution.
Evidence shows peace agreements are more likely to last when women are involved, according to the five-year plan launched late Tuesday.
“Without question women must have a seat at the table,” Foreign Office minister Tariq Ahmad said in a statement.
“We know that when women and girls participate in political processes, conflict resolution and mediation their contribution helps to build a more sustainable peace.”
The plan said women had a key role to play in developing strategies to prevent and counter extremism in their countries.
Britain will also push for peacekeeping missions to include more women, and support efforts to end sexual abuse by peacekeepers.
The plan said evidence showed missions which included women were more effective and better able to engage with local people.
Ahmad also said championing girls’ education was crucial for transforming the lives of those caught up in conflicts and promoting global stability.
“This year (we) will focus on ensuring that girls in the poorest countries in the world receive at least 12 years of quality education because this is the single most powerful spur to development and progress,” he added.