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.
As women organize through activities such as lending groups, neighborhood communities, or medical aid groups, they are building alternate power bases in their communities. These power bases have the potential to build government capacity
In poor and remote communities hit by conflict, government institutions can be captured by former conflict parties or financial interests. The presence of alternate, local power bases is necessary to build the government’s capacity to function effectively.
As women organize through activities such as delivering aid or providing information, they create these alternate power bases in ways that are non-threatening, trusted by the community, and sometimes even cross conflict lines.
These alternate power bases can constrain the scope of what bad actors can do at the helm of government or make demands in terms of service delivery — even when they are not political in nature. As a result, women organizing can play a key role in increasing the effectiveness of government institutions.
OPPORTUNITIES
Invest in ongoing activities that connect women so they can organize around activities that are, at least initially, depoliticized.
Through these platforms, teach leadership and organizational skills and provide a forum to practice decision-making.
Introduce new vehicles that enable peacebuilding and development organizations to make long-term commitments to community organizing.
