Empowering peace

Women's inclusion in leadership and decision-making is essential for fostering sustainable peace and progress. Photo © Berghof Foundation

Mediators and peacebuilders stress the importance of gender equality in peace processes and how to support the next generation of peacebuilders.

Despite significant progress of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in the last 25 years, women continue to face barriers to meaningful participation in peace processes around the world. Women's involvement remains limited, and their perspectives often go unheard - although research shows that when women are meaningfully included in peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction, the outcomes are more sustainable. According to UN Women, peace agreements that include women are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years compared to those that do not.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it is important to reflect on the achievements and contributions of women in advancing gender equality and peace, as well as the challenges that still lie ahead. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. It reminds us of the ongoing need for gender inclusion in peace processes. By continuing to push for women’s participation, we can move closer to a world where peace is more than a temporary agreement, but a durable reality for all communities.

This day provides an opportunity to honour women leaders —those who have broken barriers and those who continue to advocate for change. Below you will find statements from peacebuilding and mediation experts who highlight the profound impact women are making in advancing peace and security globally.

Watch the videos to hear their reflections:

Our Acting Executive Director Chris Coulter provides remarks where she champions women peacebuilders and calls on all sectors of society to continue to advocate for their inclusion.

Chioniso Michelle Murinda, who was a part of our insider mediators network in Zimbabwe, emphasises why the meaningful inclusion of women in peace processes leads to longer lasting peace.

Josephine Zgheib has spent most of her life working towards peace and gender equality in her home country of Lebanon. She highlights the need to accept each other's differences in order to create positive change.

Sumaya Ibrahim is part of our insider peacebuilder network in Somalia. She gives insight into the ways women are facilitating peace in her community despite not being given access to formal processes.

Transitional Justice Coordinator at Dejusticia Paola Molano Ayala outlines why it’s essential to implement a Women, Peace and Security Agenda to achieve gender equality based on her experience in Colombia.

Saad Abou Chahine, who works in our Regional Hub in Beirut, underscores the role men play in supporting women’s participation and fostering inclusive environments.

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