Alona Lebedieva: "It is women who can play a key role in the prevention and settlement of military conflicts, in building peace"

This was the opinion was expressed during the first plenary meeting of the 11th World Forum for Democracy held in the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, by economic expert and founder and owner of the Ukrainian multidisciplinary industrial and investment group of companies Aurum Group Alona Lebedieva.

She expressed her belief in the importance of engaging women in the the peacekeeping process: “The full inclusion of women in the peacekeeping process is of utmost importance in building a post-conflict world.

“On the example of Ukrainian women, I can say that we are very strong, we are overcoming the difficulties caused by the full-scale war and help others to cope too.

“I think that the inclusion of women in the post-war reconstruction of the country will contribute to rapid economic recovery and reduction of the poverty level,” she commented.

Previously, whilst speaking in the European Parliament in Brussels, during a debate organised by the European People’s’ Party, she stated “I strongly believe that if women ruled the world, there would be no wars.”

“Women all over the world are paying too high a price for building peace, democracy and stability in the world. However, we continue to live in a patriarchal world in which women remain excluded from global political, social and cultural resources. And as a result, we often see the introduction of a culture of violence rather than a culture of peace.

“However, it is women who can play a key role in the prevention and settlement of military conflicts, in building peace,” – Alona Lebedieva noted, – “It is a woman’s expertise, whose nature is inherently non-aggressive and intuitive, that can help eliminate the root causes of conflicts.”

“I share the opinion that one of the major shortcomings of modern peacekeeping initiatives and concepts is the “top-down” approach. After all, the active involvement of various layers of society, activists, and local communities can yield more fruitful results already in the near future.

“The real interested parties are usually at the grassroots level and it is necessary to create the appropriate conditions and environment, – shared Alona Lebedieva, – The ability to self-organize is a key moment today. A clear example can be the unity that the Ukrainian people showed during the war.

“The way ordinary Ukrainians and volunteers selflessly help the military deserves special respect. Equipment is bought and repaired with the money of ordinary people, logistics and evacuation are handled by volunteers. The threat to the very existence of the state and the people united the efforts of Ukrainian society, which strives for justice, peace and protection of rights.“

“It is the active position of various layers of society that should contribute to the maintenance of “sustainable peace” and democracy, but all these are very global things that are based on understanding.

“In my opinion, the experience of the European Union is a good example of creating an environment in which dialogue and understanding of the principles of peace and democracy will be promoted.

“Such powerful institutions as the European Commission, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights play a key role, because they are the guarantors of the creation of appropriate conditions in society and an example for imitation in many countries of the world.

“I think that if we combine the efforts and aspirations of Ukrainian society with European principles, we will become a good example for future generations to follow. It all starts with the desire to be a peacemaker in one’s environment“, shared Alona Lebedieva.