New Director – Anette Uddqvist

SoME Gavobevis 2023

10 February 2023

I have been entrusted with the role of Director of Operation 1325. A trust that I take very seriously and plan to manage with great care.  

I come from an international humanitarian background and have experience of working in conflict settings in different parts of the world. My work has included discussions with armed groups to ensure the safety and security of the operational activities and personnel for which I have been responsible. As a, relatively, young woman in these generally male dominated environments, I have encountered gender-based challenges, as well as advantages. Through an intersectional lens, my experiences become even more complex, since I was a representative of a major global actor with a prominent and strong voice, I had the benefit of expressing myself from what could be considered a position of power. 

These experiences enhance the contrast of my encounters with civilians – those who are often the most affected but have the least say in an armed conflict. For them, who’s everyday life, the past and the future are all influenced by the decisions and actions of others. Life itself has been taken hostage. These experiences have convinced me that the route to long-term and sustainable peace lies in the inclusion of grassroot actors, allowing all parts of society to have the opportunity to make their voices heard, both to build something new and to heal wounds. 

It was against this background that I decided to change paths, to use my knowledge and skills in a new way to contribute to the work of Operation 1325. I will focus on organising and structuring the practical aspects, and even more important continuing to build Operation 1325’s brand and network both nationally and internationally to create fruitful partnerships that benefit multiple actors – something I believe we can all gain from. Our joint work to strengthen women’s voice in peace processes continues to be relevant, especially considering the changing political climate in for instance Sweden, with shifting focus areas affecting both Sweden and our relationship with the world. 

Whether it concerns new armed conflicts such as Ukraine, or protracted armed conflicts such as in Palestine and Yemen (two of the contexts where Operation 1325 is active). Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and continue strengthening women’s voices both inside and outside our borders through our platforms and networks. If you’re reading this and want to know more or get further involved, get in touch and let’s explore how we can influence the peace agenda and support women’s participation.  

Looking forward to hearing from you / Anette Uddqvist 

You may also like...

The Super Autumn of 2015

The Super Autumn of 2015

This season of 2015 has been called the ’super autumn’ because of the many historical international events. This includes the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Swedish revision of the national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325, the...

An inspiring meeting in Amman

An inspiring meeting in Amman

Last week, our network of women and peace organizations in the MENA region, which has met annually for several years, gathered in Amman in Jordan. The purpose of the meeting was to work on a methodology for increased interaction between women´s organization and media....

Our agenda 2015

Our agenda 2015

Welcome to 2015 with Operation 1325. This year is historic on many levels. In Sweden we are excited about the strong support for our work through the government's feminist foreign policy. It shows that Sweden is willing to work hard for women around the world and...

From policy to action

From policy to action

02/10/2013 What is needed in terms of living a healthy, safe and dignified life? Is it a job and a stable economy? Or that we have access to nutritious food? Or is it more important to have good social relationships? Three years of university studies in Global Health...

Resolution 1325 affects all of us

Resolution 1325 affects all of us

12/09/2013 Operation 1325, what does it mean? The most frequent question I have got since I received the exciting news that I will carry out my internship at Operation 1325 has been what 1325 means. This question is perhaps not that surprising, since you unfortunately...

Sustainable Growth is Always Mutual

Sustainable Growth is Always Mutual

I have heard it said, many times, that we should “place ourselves in the shoes of someone else” to understand others better. My experiences so far have made me question if this really is a good idea. In fact, I have come to believe that this seemingly innocuous cliché...