We are excited to share a collection of nine Insights developed through a global public online consultation and in-depth discussions with peacebuilders on the ground.
Our nine insights were created from the global online consultation on Engaging Women in Post Conflict Economic and Political Decision-Making from May to June 2020.
The absence of job titles, formal organizational structures, and other features of more traditional political or security organizations means these actions often go unrecognized despite their central role in communities.
Women play a crucial and significant role in preventing conflict through “everyday peace actions” that serve as preventive measures, early warning signals, and monitoring mechanisms.
At the grassroots level, women have in-depth knowledge, understanding, and awareness of their community and surroundings. They often drive peacebuilding outcomes in communities as first responders who prevent situations from escalating.
The decentralized nature of the work of these groups means that it can progress even when official peace building processes are stalled. Women are pragmatic problem-solvers and do not wait for formal mechanisms in order to “do what needs to be done”. Instead, they are able to build bridges across racial, political and social divisions, and work towards the common good.
Failing to recognize, involve, and protect women peacebuilders at the core of the peace process means losing efficacy in driving outcomes.
OPPORTUNITIES
Change the narrative around what peacebuilding looks like by actively promoting and including stories where women are seen and recognized as active agents.
Extend gains made by women during conflict by defining and securing their roles to continue to deliver benefits post-conflict.
Engage the International community in giving recognition to women community leaders and legitimize their work.
Engage grassroots communities to support elevating women within their communities to maintain their efficacy as leaders.
Establish and support training for women by women to actively promote and build pro-peace community initiatives.
Make structural changes to Include women leaders in formal peacebuilding processes from Day 1.
