Involving Women in Peace Deals Cuts Conflict Recurrence by Up to 37%
A comprehensive study of recent civil wars highlights the vital role women play in achieving sustainable peace. On October 31, 2000, the United Nations unanimously adopted Security Council resolution 1325 (WPS 1325), focusing on women, peace, and security.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325
The resolution reaffirmed “the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction.” It emphasized “the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.”
Research Findings on Women’s Inclusion in Peace Processes
Supported by the United States Institute of Peace, recent research found that including measures for women's participation in post-conflict societies within peace agreements reduces the likelihood of conflict recurrence by 11% on average. More significantly, if these measures are implemented together with UN leadership, the chance of conflict restarting decreases by 37%.
UN Secretary-General’s Remarks on Progress
Despite progress, UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the Security Council’s annual debate on October 6 with a cautionary note. He stated that the UN still “falls short when it comes to real change in the lives of women and girls caught in conflict.”
Summary: Including women actively in peace agreements significantly lowers conflict recurrence, but real improvements for women affected by war remain a challenge.