Advocacy

Women Peacebuilder Forum Report – Jan 2018:

Eighteen years since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (October 2000), the Women, Peace and Security agenda has become ever more critical in the face of violent extremism, rising levels of conflict and failing states. In this context, women’s crucial role as active participants in the prevention and resolution of war cannot be underestimated. Despite their many achievements at local and national levels, women’s participation levels in formal peace-making and peace-building for remain low.

Experience demonstrates that women are more likely to participate meaningfully in peace-building when they operate within international and domestic networks. Such networks have strengthened their role in peace processes and have supported lobbying efforts for their inclusion in decision-making. In particular, diaspora women have had considerable influence on policy agendas in recent years and have contributed greatly to the socio-economic development of their home countries. Many of these women, who have felt the effects of war first-hand, possess unique skills and a deep understanding of the local context.

Against this background, Women for Peace and Participation (WPP) launched United Women for Peace (UWP) in April 2017, a unique platform that convenes women peace-builders from various countries and backgrounds whose work directly and indirectly impacts social pacification. This includes women in politics, civil society, and the private sector, women in the diaspora and refugees who possess the skills and first-hand experience to make a positive impact. Women can share insights, discuss challenges and strategies, and collectively decide how and what to talk about when it comes to advocacy and representation.