Women and Peace-Making: A Crucial Element
Women's involvement in peace-making is essential, not just a "nice-to-have." Research indicates that peace agreements are 20% more likely to last at least two years and 35% more likely to last fifteen years when women are involved in negotiations.
Despite this, women are often absent in high-level talks, such as efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), adopted 25 years ago, aimed to include women meaningfully in conflict prevention and peace-building.
The time for statements has passed; now we must do the actual work.
Having contributed to drafting Resolution 1325, it is clear that turning commitments into sustained political action has proven challenging. The anniversary of Resolution 1325, on 31 October, serves as a reminder of the need for meaningful action.
Author's summary: Women's involvement in peace-making is crucial for lasting peace agreements.