Representatives of women's organizations and research centers visit the Conversation Table in Havana

On 25 August 2015 the Conversation Table in Havana received a visit from ten representatives of women's organizations and research centers that had published specific studies and research into gender-based violence and sexual violence in the context of armed conflicts.

This visit occurred after an invitation was sent to the representatives by the Subcommittee on Gender, which is made up of delegations from the national government and the FARC-EP, in order to receive and debate its recommendations and proposals on gender-based violence and sexual violence under point 5 of the agenda. The delegation was accompanied by the UN Women representative in Colombia, Belén Sanz, and Silvia Arias, an adviser on women, peace and security.

As part of this important visit, the women's organizations and research centers were also invited to a working meeting with the FARC-EP delegation on 24 August in order to exchange opinions on the studies and research undertaken by the organizations and centers on gender violence and sexual violence in armed conflicts, their characterization, impact, dynamics, the alleged perpetrators, and the obstacles that victims must overcome to be listened to.

Both spaces for dialogue took place in an atmosphere of sincere respect and listening, with the likelihood of a positive outcome for the condition and leadership of women in the wording of the agreements that are under negotiation. At the end of the visit the representatives of the women's organizations and academic centers issued a press release.

UN Women places a high value on this visit, the high quality of participation, and the proposals from the invited organizations and research centers. It also recognizes the leadership by the Subcommittee on Gender in particular in guaranteeing, with the support of various members of civil society, that the agreements reached and a possible final agreement have an appropriate gender focus.