Minister of Women's Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi on November 26 appealed to Eurasian leaders to increase women’s participation in UN peacekeeping forces and other areas.

The minister made the call via video link at the Asia-Europe Forum on Women, Peace and Security, a sideline event of the virtual 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM13) hosted by Cambodia from November 25-26.

Kantha Phavi “emphasised the spirit” of the event and urged Eurasian political leaders to highlight the key leadership roles that women play in peacebuilding, dialogue facilitation, mediation support and other peacekeeping efforts on UN peacekeeping missions, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs said in a statement.

The minister also underlined measures to combat gender-based violence, including the promotion of gender equality, advancement of women's economic empowerment, support for women’s participation in peace and security matters, and development of gender-responsive governance and infrastructure.