Gender Equality in the BWC: Moving from Words to Action

Room XXVII, Palais des Nations, Geneva
Past
Gender Equality in the BWC: Moving from Words to Action

An interactive meeting ahead of the 9th Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) to take stock of progress on gender mainstreaming during this review cycle and identify concrete measures to advance gender diversity, gender analysis and gender equality in biosecurity and disarmament.

This event intends to raise awareness about the relevance of gender perspectives in the BWC, discuss practical proposals to enhance gender equality in BWC meetings and consider options to support gender mainstreaming in BWC-related processes. A list of non-exhaustive proposals can be found in a working paper submitted by Panama to the 2020 Meeting of States Parties. (BWC/MSP/2020/WP.6)

Participants will be split into breakout groups. A facilitator will lead the discussions in each group, with a view to gathering concrete recommendations for the 9th BWC Review Conference. A preliminary list of breakout groups is presented below. 

  1. Overcoming barriers and achieving gender equality in in biosecurity and disarmament. 

  2. Applying gender analysis to life science research, technical cooperation, and assistance. 

  3. Learning from pandemics and epidemics: gendered impacts and response strategies. 

Preliminary programme

  • 13:15-13:25    Welcoming Remarks 

  • 13:25-13:30    Overview of the workshop and its objectives

  • 13:30-14:00    Breakout groups  

  • 14:00-14:15    Report Back – summary of each breakout group discussion

  • 14:15-14:35    Open discussion 

  • 14:35-14:45    Closing Remarks 

WHERE & WHEN

17 November from 13.15 pm to 14.45 pm in Room XXVII, Palais des Nations, Geneva.

RSVP

The event is open to all States, as well as experts from international organizations and civil society. 

Participants are encouraged to indicate which breakout group they would like to attend and/or propose additional topics for discussion using this form.


This event is organized by Australia, the BWC ISU, the European Union, Panama, Philippines, Sweden, and UNIDIR.