Policy Brief, Research
Nine Models for Inclusion of Civil Society in Peace Processes
Prepared as a background paper for “Building More Inclusive Political Transitions: A Review of the Syrian Case,” this memo summarizes nine case studies of civil society participation in peace processes. The models range from direct representation at the table to non-binding advisory bodies and from official negotiations to informal Track II dialogues. Each example is […]
Research
7 Myths Standing in the Way of Women’s Inclusion
In this official background paper for the 2013 Oslo Forum, Inclusive Security’s Director, Jacqueline O’Neill, and Kenyan Women Waging Peace Network member, Alice Nderitu, argue that meaningful inclusion of women in peace processes is in the best interest of mediators. They present and debunk seven common misconceptions that prevent mediators from capitalizing on the benefits […]
Research
An Inclusive Peace Process for the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
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 […]
Research
Across Conflict Lines: Women Mediating for Peace
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 […]
Policy Brief
Recommendations to Increase Israeli Women’s Participation in Decision-Making
Recommendations for implementing Amendment 4 to the Equality of Women’s Rights Law, 5765-2005.
Policy Brief
Supporting Women in Negotiations: A Model for Elevating their Voices and Reflecting Their Agenda in Peace Deals
Women are alarmingly underrepresented in negotiations. In 2009, the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) found in a review of 21 major peace processes held since 1992 that women were less than 8 percent of the delegates to talks and less than 3 percent of agreement signatories. This publication documents two of Inclusive Security’s consultative […]
Policy Brief
Strategies for Policymakers: Bringing Women into Peace Negotiations
As leaders in civil society, particularly during and following violent conflict, women are critical players in peace negotiations. In formal negotiations, they raise often-ignored political and social issues, ensure that the voices of victims and civilians are consistently heard, and build bridges among negotiating parties. They also have a solid record of successfully bringing together […]
Training
Inclusive Security: A Curriculum for Women Waging Peace
Published in 2009, Inclusive Security: A Curriculum for Women Waging Peace is a resource for policymakers and practitioners who want to better include women in peace processes. This unique tool draws on more than a decade of original research and training by The Institute for Inclusive Security and accomplished women peace builders from areas including […]
Research
Naga Women Making a Difference: Peace Building in Northeastern India
The end of fighting between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) and the Indian government exposed divisions within the NSCN and among Naga factions. Although it seemed that the ceasefire could not be sustained, Naga women began taking advantage of their position as respected mothers, stepping in to stop inter-factional violence. The Naga Mothers’ […]
Research
Negotiating the Transition to Democracy and Reforming the Security Sector: The Vital Contributions of South African Women
In October 2000, for the first time in its history, the UN Security Council acknowledged that women have a key role in promoting international stability by passing Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. It called on all parties to ensure women’s participation in peace processes, from the prevention of conflict to negotiations and postwar […]