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Post-conflict and Transitional Participation

According to the Ploughshares, in 2005, armed conflicts raged in 27 countries. In five of them, casualties exceeded 100,000 people, and the indirect costs in human capital, infrastructure and effect on future development are beyond estimation. The transition period begins when wars end through negotiated settlements or other means. With international and regional assistance, parties seek ways to deter the cycle of conflict by establishing a stable government to protect and provide for its citizens.

Formally and informally, women around the world are contributing to post-conflict reconstruction in the areas of security, justice and reconciliation, governance and socio-economic development. In 2000, the United Nations (UN) Security Council passed resolution 1325, a landmark decision mandating the participation of women in peace processes. Since the adoption of the resolution, awareness of the importance of including women in peace and reconstruction processes has grown enormously. Yet, implementation of the resolution’s mandate remains sporadic and ad hoc, and the gaps in practice are vast. Nonetheless, women’s participation in post-conflict reconstruction processes continues to increase.

In Sri Lanka, pressure by women’s organizations led to the establishment — within the structure of the formal negotiations — of a ten-member Subcommittee on Gender Issues in 2002. In Northern Ireland, women representatives were trusted as mediators during conflict negotiations, with such trust stemming from the women’s platform of respect for human rights, inclusion and equality. In Haiti, the women’s ministry and women’s organizations participated in a consultative process, resulting in the UN mission incorporating women’s priorities into its mandate and establishing the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Programme. In Rwanda, women formed the first cross-party parliamentary caucus composed of both Hutus and Tutsis, addressing issues of concern to women from all political parties. In Sierra Leone, a women’s task force was established to foster women’s participation in the design of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the special unit investigating war crimes. According to the World Bank, in Afghanistan, efforts by the international community and local women’s organizations have led to girls accounting for 40 percent of all children attending school in 2003, compared to only 9 percent before the war.

While significant and encouraging, such examples and best practices do not equate with the systematic inclusion of women in peace processes. It remains critical to amplify the role and contribution of women during political transitions to capitalize on this window of opportunity.

Put women at the centre of Syria crisis response

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July 9, 2020

Put women at the centre of Syria crisis response

As the Syria crisis enters its 10th year, the situation is especially dire for women and girls, with the effects of COVID-19 compounding the risks and hardships for millions of people inside the country and for refugees around the region.

As the Syria crisis enters its 10th year, the situation is especially dire for women and girls, with the effects of COVID-19 compounding the risks and hardships for millions of people inside the country and for refugees around the region.

Why women led the uprising in Sudan

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May 3, 2019

Why women led the uprising in Sudan

By Nasredeen Abdulbari

Women had borne the brunt of the former president’s policies and were able to draw on Sudanese traditions to be heard.

By Nasredeen Abdulbari

Women had borne the brunt of the former president’s policies and were able to draw on Sudanese traditions to be heard.

e-Discussions

Women in Public Administration

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Women in Public Administration

“Increasing the proportion of women in public institutions makes them more representative, increases innovation, improves decision-making and benefits whole societies” - António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, Message on International Women’s Day 2017

“Increasing the proportion of women in public institutions makes them more representative, increases innovation, improves decision-making and benefits whole societies” - António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, Message on International Women’s Day 2017

World News

We'll start seeing more lasting peace when women get more seats at the negotiating table

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We'll start seeing more lasting peace when women get more seats at the negotiating table

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Peace agreements last 35% longer when women are involved in the negotiating process. But too often, they're not.

Peace agreements last 35% longer when women are involved in the negotiating process. But too often, they're not.

Transitional justice and peace negotiations with a gender lens

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January 18, 2019

Transitional justice and peace negotiations with a gender lens

This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful participation and the integration of gender p

This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful participation and the integration of gender p

How Women Influence Constitution Making After Conflict and Unrest

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April 5, 2018

How Women Influence Constitution Making After Conflict and Unrest

Constitution reform is a frequent feature of peace and transition processes: 75 countries undertook constitution reform in the wake of armed conflict, unrest, or negotiated transition from authoritarianism to democracy between 1990 and 2015.

Constitution reform is a frequent feature of peace and transition processes: 75 countries undertook constitution reform in the wake of armed conflict, unrest, or negotiated transition from authoritarianism to democracy between 1990 and 2015.