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.
International IDEA has received numerous requests from Libyan civil society organizations, the National Transitional Council (NTC), the interim government and other official bodies to support the transition to democracy.
This report reflects the findings of the preparatory phase of a three-year research project exploring the role of gender in peacebuilding.
This report reflects the findings of the preparatory phase of a three-year research project exploring the role of gender in peacebuilding.
This report represents a synthesis of the key findings and recommendations of a regional research project on women’s political participation and economic empowerment in countries emerging from conflicts in the Great Lakes region of Africa.
This report represents a synthesis of the key findings and recommendations of a regional research project on women’s political participation and economic empowerment in countries emerging from conflicts in the Great Lakes region of Africa.
During the week leading up to International Women's Day, Vital Voices Global Partnership and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) are co-hosting a panel discussion with two women le
Women and girls were in the forefront when the uprising began nearly two years ago with peaceful protests, in part because they were considered less likely than men to arouse the suspicions of the government’s security apparatus.
Historically, the Muslimah played the role of protagonist in more than one screenplay of political change.
Based on focus group discussions with women from different backgrounds in Aden, Sa’ada, Sana’a and Ta’iz, the report, prepared by SaferWorld, seeks to shed light on the participation of women in street and institutional politics during Yemen’s change processes in 2011 and 2012, as perceived
Based on focus group discussions with women from different backgrounds in Aden, Sa’ada, Sana’a and Ta’iz, the report, prepared by SaferWorld, seeks to shed light on the participation of women in street and institutional politics during Yemen’s change processes in 2011 and 2012, as perceived
A good practices guide to promote women's political participation.
A good practices guide to promote women's political participation.