Women and Peace-Making: Essential, Not an Add-On
Research shows 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) was adopted 25 years ago, aiming to include women meaningfully in conflict prevention and peace-building.
Having helped draft Resolution 1325, I know firsthand we’ve spent decades passing resolutions, producing national action plans, and signing pledges.
However, turning these into sustained political action has proven challenging.
Author's summary: Women's involvement in peace negotiations is crucial for lasting agreements.
- Peace agreements with women's involvement last 20% longer (at least 2 years) and 35% longer (15 years).
- Women are often absent in high-level peace talks, such as in Gaza.
- UN Security Council Resolution 1325 aims to include women in conflict prevention and peace-building.