3 Reasons Women must be involved in Peace-building

Infographic: http://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/peace-and-security/facts-and-figures

Representation: Women make up 50% or more of all state populations. So, from a purely quantifiable moral standpoint it is only right that they also represent 50% of decision-making bodies particularly in peace-building organisations. If women are ‘at the table’ during peace talks they are more likely to be represented equally in new governmental institutions including parliaments. Even having women at peace talks lifts up their status in society and empowers. This means the legacy of the conflict can be greater gender equality in parliament that will hopefully translate into gender equality in day-to-day life of women and girls in post-conflict societies. Unfortunately this translation is easier said than done and it is often not enough to have some representation of women in peace-processes, at least 30% is necessary for women to have their voices heard.

Experiences and Needs: Women often have extremely different experiences of conflict and therefore it is crucial that these experiences are enmeshed in peace-building legacy. For example, women who have been victims of sexual violence in conflict will need particular medical, social, psychological and even legal aid often not required by male victims of violence. Given the stigma surrounding rape and sexual assault in many civil war ridden states, re-integrating victims of sexual violence faces specific challenges because a woman may be shamed or even extradited into poverty by members of their community. Victims of sexual trauma may have even more extreme situations to deal with particularly if they have been forcefully impregnated and given birth to a child. This will increase their difficulty recovering and re-integrating because they have a constant living reminder of their trauma: a child they are responsible for. Women who understand these traumas must be involved in peace-building processes so that they can insist upon decent after-care for both women who have been victims of sexual violence, and children born of these assaults. It is also important that women and men have the space to tell their stories and experiences of conflict so that a linear narrative of the truth exists that cannot be politically hijacked or reignite tensions.

Gender Justice & Transformative Opportunities: Civil war is evidently atrocious and detrimental for society. However, afterwards there often opens up a space for change in society particularly for the rights of women and girls. In the process of rebuilding a society changes can be made to unequal gender relations including integrating women into the labour market, getting girls into education, reducing economic inequality and re-writing laws which render women inferior to their male counterparts. The rights of women and girls can be enshrined in constitutional reform and again this aids a transformation of society towards greater equality.

For a more specific example of how women’s involvement in peace processes see this Huff Post article about women’s involvement in the Syria peace talks.