Salon
Women in Conflict and Peace Building
Why Protection and Participation are Key
Salon: Women in Conflict and Peace Building
June 18, 2021
online / via Zoom
Between 1992 and 2018, women made up only 13% of negotiators, 3% of mediators and 4% of signatories in major peace processes. In 2000, the United Nations Security Council recognised the gendered impact of war with Resolution 1325. The Women, Peace and Security Agenda is considered a milestone in the pursuit of gender equality and inclusion in conflict and peacekeeping. However, progress and implementation have been slow, hampered by continued militarisation, a general climate of repression of women’s human rights and a lack of accountability.
Action Recommendations
Quotas as Door Openers
Ilwad Elman called on the international community to "introduce and support quotas for the direct and equitable participation of women in all phases of formal peace and political transformation processes". In many cases, quotas open doors for women. Making them a condition of UN financial commitments to governments could be a viable approach, Ilwad Elman and Ambassador Heusgen agreed.
Parallel Investment
Dr. Christoph Heusgen made it clear that the UN can set principles and standards and draw attention to a problem. These should then be implemented on the ground in the conflict in question. The sovereignty of nations and elected governments often stands in the way. Both speakers agreed that parallel investment in institutions and systems, as well as in civil society, popular movements and civic education, is important to enable people to hold their government to account during its term of office and to advance the democratic process.
To mark the International Day to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, we highlighted the remarkable work of women for peace and security. Together with our two panellists, we discussed what action the international community needs to take to end gender-based violence and improve women’s participation in peace processes. Supporting women- and youth-led initiatives such as the African Women Leaders Network, the Elman Peace Centre and the Principles for Peace Initiative is crucial to harnessing local expertise and bridging the gap between global resolutions and indigenous, traditional and local best practices for inclusion.
Contact Persons
Gregor Darmer, g.darmer@globalperspectives.org
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