Empirical evidence shows that security actors are more likely to accomplish their mission when they take into account the differing needs and perspectives of men and women. For example, in a variety of studies of stabilization and peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kosovo, Liberia, and Timor Leste, gender equality is […]
The long-standing structure for negotiations within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has involved a limited number of high-level officials. Civil society actors, who are often among the most committed to ending the conflict, have thus been unable to share their perspectives on the core issues and help build societal support for the outcomes. Given the ongoing conflict […]
Despite five separate UNSCRs on women, peace, and security, and the dedicated efforts of international agencies, civil society actors, and governments, courageous women peace builders still face legal, cultural and traditional discrimination. This guide is designed to help advocates efficiently leverage UNSCRs 1325, 1889, 1820, 1888, and 1960.
The Colombian National Commission for Reparation and Reconciliation (CNRR) is a transitional justice mechanism effectively structured for involving women and addressing their priorities and needs. Mainstreaming gender has involved advocating for particular women to serve as commissioners, support for the creation of a gender unit within the commission, close collaboration with women’s civil society organizations, […]
Women remain largely absent from high-level international peace negotiations around the globe, particularly as mediators and facilitators of formal processes. This document summarizes findings from The Institute for Inclusive Security’s 12th Annual Colloquium, which brought together 21 female mediation experts from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. It outlines the unique contributions […]
This chapter in Monopoly of Force: The Nexus of DDR and SSR examines the challenges stemming from a lack of women’s inclusion in peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction. Explaining why and how women have traditionally been excluded from negotiations, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR), and security sector reform (SSR), O’Neill and Vary highlight the main […]
When women contribute, transitional justice efforts are more likely to address crimes of war. Women have knowledge of the distinct, complex violations of rights women suffer that can significantly inform truth commission mandates, judicial opinions, reparations schemes, and proposals for policy reform. In Liberia, following the 2003 resolution of two decades of violent conflict, the […]
The success of women parliamentarians in Rwanda has prompted questions about how women achieved such unprecedented levels of political representation. The paper begins with a discussion of various Rwandan cultural practices that either support or undercut gender equality, then analyzes how actors in contemporary Rwandan politics reference indigenous practices in relation to women’s empowerment. This […]
In August 2006, members of Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies debated the landmark “Draft Law on Prevention, Protection and Punishment of Any Gender Based Violence.” Importantly, the bill—developed by Rwanda’s Forum of Rwandan Women Parliamentarians (FFRP) over a two-year process of public involvement—was the first substantive piece of legislation developed by the legislature since its election […]
Inclusion of women in national legislatures has had positive policy outcomes for children and families. Global analyses, and the Rwanda case in particular, indicate that female legislators are more likely to prioritize issues such as family health and welfare, and the defense of children’s rights. This publication draws on extensive interviews with parliamentarians and others, […]
