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International Conflict Resolution: No Women, No Peace!

Valerie Norville | United States Institute of Peace | February 2011

Anyone who proposed excluding half of a country’s population from peace talks following an armed conflict would surely be considered foolish. Yet this approach is embraced with astounding regularity around the globe, as women continue to be refused a seat at negotiating tables ten years after the passage of UNSC 1325. If peace is to have a better chance, then many more women need to be included in the peace process as soon as possible.

After all, nearly 80 percent of the 39 armed conflicts that are waged today throughout the world are the result of failed peace processes. In all 31 cases, women were not allowed to participate in the negotiating process. On average, only 8 percent of peace negotiators today are female, and women account for only 3 percent of peace treaty signatories. The situation is equally dire at the UN: Only 3 percent of participants in peacekeeping operations are women. By contrast, international experience has repeatedly shown that peace processes enjoy a greater rate of success if women are included in conflict resolution efforts in the following areas in particular: Peacekeeping operations, economic reconstruction, and post-conflict reconciliation.

Even at the early stage of ending hostilities, matters proceed more smoothly if units are gender-balanced, i.e. include an equal number of males and females. This principle should be embraced on all levels of the command chain. The same holds for police units. But in order to attract more women to these professions, their physical security must be assured. In conflict situations and afterwards, the strict prosecution of rape cases is crucial to the protection of women. In this context, women’s networks and the treatment of traumas also play important roles in military as well as civilian settings. Given the limited number of active female service members, a media campaign should render their roles and responsibilities more visible to the general public. Existing cadres need to serve as role models and inspiration to young female recruits. A quota system is needed so that female leaders can enter parliament and participate fully in their nation’s political life. After all, only if gender equality is also considered in the formation of new government, will the interests of women also be reflected in national policies and budget priorities.

The fluidity of post-conflict society affords women a rare chance to overcome cultural barriers hindering their personal and professional development. By participating in the social and political lives of their communities, women make crucial contributions to the social transformation that needs to take place in their nations in the aftermath of armed conflict. This process of social transformation lays the foundations for national reconciliation, which is needed in order to preclude a renewed flaring-up of tensions. Today it is vital that an all-out effort be made to convince government members and local community leaders in the countries in question that the participation of women is essential to establishing a lasting peace.

This summary was prepared by the Atlantic Community editorial team from "The role of Women in Global Security" published here by the United States Institute of Peace.