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 The
concept of human security is translated quite differently in different
societies and at different times according to the level of development,
democratic orientation, ethics, social attitudes toward gender, and differences
in ethnic group, opinions, and beliefs. It is related to basic needs and
basic human rights, the fulfilment of these needs, and the respect for
these rights.
Central
to the concept of human security is the idea of equilibrium/balance between
needs and resources, rights and duties, and order and tolerance.
A lack
of balance leads to problems in different areas:
- unbalanced economic
globalization leads to economic crisis and poverty
- unbalanced use
of natural resources results in destruction of the
- environment, pollution
and famine
- unbalanced provision
of basic health services results in the spread of pandemics
- unbalanced security
measures, coupled with declining civic responsibility, results
- in urban violence
and, ultimately, terrorism
The
question of human security has received growing attention from governments
and intergovernmental forums in recent years. In the last decade the underlying
concept of security has been changing from that of preserving the nation
through military, political and diplomatic measures, to one of including
individual human elements in the equation. This broadened concept encompasses
a state of well-being in which an individual or group has the assurance
of protection from physical and mental harm, freedom from fear and anxiety,
freedom from want, and the right to live life with dignity.
Among the changes
which have had an impact on the security of populations are:
- the end of the
Cold War and its consequences for countries where the two blocks were
opposed
- globalization of
the economy and communications
- increasing environmental
deterioration due to exploitation of natural resources and the dysfunctioning
of some technologies e.g. nuclear and chemical plants
- an increase in
criminal activities due to easier communications of networks for drug
dealing, money laundering, and trafficking of women and young children
- an increase in
terrorism.
Human security
- concerns all people
regardless of age, gender or ethnic group
- includes protection
of individuals and communities from all forms of violence - military,
civil and criminal
- addresses issues
of economics, health and the proper use and care of natural and developed
environments
- requires an end
to the violation of human rights.
Women
should have a stake and play an important role in obtaining and safegarding
human security in the home, in the community and at the national level.
They are the guardians of the "human face of globalization."
They seek the resolution of conflicts and reject violence, often ensure
food security, and are the caretakers of ethical and cultural values.
IFUW national federations
and associations can take action to:
- identify areas
of human security that are especially threatened in their country
- raise awareness
of the intersectionality of problems and of the way they affect women
- promote the prevention
of violence to women and children, through educational programmes, running
of hotlines and establishment of centres for the protection of abused
women and young girls
- promote women's
role in the peace process and in the building of a safer environment
in schools and in public spaces
- develop and promote
programmes to teach citizenship education and respect for others, especially
in multicultural societies
- improve safety
for women in public areas
- promote food security
- identify water
issues - quality, quantity, seasonal shortages, pollution, salination
- promote health
and reproductive education, especially for adolescent girls
- address an environmental
problem threatening the community
- study militarism,
including training in practice of warfare
- raise awareness
of arms dealing and land mine production and use
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International Federation of University Women
10 rue du Lac, CH-1207 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: (41.22) 731 23 80 Fax: (41.22) 738 04 40
E-mail: info@ifuw.org |
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