There are strong reasons to include women in peacebuilding:
Women's participation makes reaching peace more likely. When women's groups have an influential role in a peace process, the rate of peace agreements being reached and implemented is higher.*
Women broaden the basis of peace agreements. Women in peace processes tend to focus less on the spoils of war and more on reconciliation, economic development, education and transitional justice - all critical elements of a sustained peace.
Women deserve peace. Women suffer disproportionally in conflict, taking on more family and community responsibilities while men are away fighting and being left even more vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence.
Women's involvement makes lasting peace more likely. Research suggests a peace agreement is 35% more likely to last for 15 years if women participate in its creation.
Women can be a barrier to peace. While many women are advocates for peace, some commit acts of violence, and some are slower than others to forgive and forget acts of violence against themselves, their households and community. These more hostile voices also need to be heard.
Concordis includes women in every aspect of peacebuilding.
We ensure they are fully represented in consultations, workshops and community groups. We work with them in women-only groups where appropriate. We support the creation of infrastructure and governance to give them economic opportunities and judicial representation.
In 2020, we consulted with thousands of women in Central African Republic, Abyei and Mauritania. They gave us their views on the root causes of conflict and shared their vision for a more peaceful and prosperous future. We will continue to partner with them in addressing root causes of conflict and in finding a workable peace. We'll help put more women in leadership roles and advocate for more financial support for women's education and community organisations.
