As half of a society’s population, shouldn’t women have the right to be represented during peacemaking processes? Yet, between 1992 and 2011 just 2% of chief mediators and 9% of peace negotiators were women. Women are excluded from the peace process predominantly because they are rarely amongst the combatants, but also due to power issues and a fear ‘overloading the peace table’ could derail the process.
This report examines the challenges and opportunities presented by women’s participation in peace and transition processes and offers recommendations for re-imagining the traditional approach to peacemaking. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of 40 indepth country case studies and statistical analysis of 182 agreements, the report shows that women’s participation increases the chance of agreement and enhances the durability of the peace. An agreement is 35% more likely to last for 15 years if women participate in its creation.
The report offers 7 models for facilitating women’s participation in peace processes which can be adapted for use in different settings: direct participation at the negotiation table; observer status; consultations; inclusive commissions; problem-solving workshops; public decision making; and mass action. A case study on two peace processes in the Philippines advances the lesson that quality participation is more important than quantity.
To achieve meaningful participation, those seeking to influence a peace process can use four key strategies: coalition build; establish a credible selection process; create the conditions to make women’s voices heard; and keep power politics—and the public—in mind.
In conclusion, women can make significant contributions to peace and transition processes in a wide range of ways, and to build a more durable and effective peace a broader re-imagining of its making is required.