Why women should be involved in peace-building processes

The Horn of Africa, home to the eight countries of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), is a region deeply affected by conflict, political instability and economic hardships. But amid this turbulence lies a powerful, yet underutilised resource in the pursuit of peace: Women leadership.

While women have historically been left out of formal peace processes, their involvement is not just beneficial, it’s essential. If the region is to build sustainable peace, women must be empowered to take leadership roles and have their voices heard. 

The importance of women in peace-building is not just a matter of gender equality, but of common sense. Studies show that peace agreements are more likely to last when women are involved in their negotiations and implementation.

Why? Because women bring wide, more inclusive views that ensure the needs of all groups especially the most vulnerable people in the society children, physically challenged, displaced, and marginalised communities, are addressed. Women’s ability to foster dialogue and healing within families and communities makes them natural peace builders.

Women have been at the heart of grassroots peace initiatives in many conflict-afflicted areas. They mediate disputes, provide support to those in need, and work tirelessly to build trust. These efforts, often carried out quietly and without recognition, are essential for the social fabric of the communities torn apart by war. Yet, when it comes to formal peace processes, those that determine the future of a nation, women’s contributions are too often sidelined.

This exclusion undermines the effectiveness of peace deals and limit their ability to address issues like gender-based violence and economic insecurity which disproportionately affect women.

Despite the clear benefits of women’s involvement in peace-building, they face many hurdles. In many IGAD countries, deeply entrenched cultural norms and patriarchal systems prevent women from taking part in public activities. Women are often expected to remain within the confines of the home, leaving little room for them to engage in politics or leadership.

When women step forward, they are often met with resistance, violence and harassment. In conflict zones, these risks are even more pronounced. Women leaders may face threats from armed groups, political competitors or even their own communities, making it difficult for them to step into the roles where they can make impact.  

These barriers aren’t just harmful to women, they are harmful to everyone. When half of the population is excluded from peace processes, it weakens the very foundation of peace. If we are to build a future where communities are resilient to conflict, we need to empower women. But to do this, we must dismantle the barriers that hold women back whether those are laws, cultural norms or violence.

The first step is changing policies. IGAD and its member states must adopt laws and frameworks that guarantee women participation in peace processes and decision-making. UN Security Council Resolution 1325 which calls for the inclusion of women in peace building provides a useful starting point. Some countries have made progress in adopting such frameworks, but much more needs to be done to ensure these laws are effectively implemented. Without strong enforceable policies, women will continue to be excluded from decisions that shape their lives.

The next step is creating opportunities for women to develop leadership skills. Leadership training, mentorship programmes and networking opportunities can help women build the confidence and skills they need to step into leadership roles. The move by IGAD to establish the IGAD Leadership Academy (ILA), based in Kenya, will go a long way in bridging the leadership gaps in the region by equipping future leaders with critical skills to navigate the challenges of a developing society.

Women have been leading peace efforts at the grassroots level for decades. They mediate local conflicts, work to reunite families torn apart by war and offer healing after conflicts. These efforts often go unnoticed but they are important for rebuilding the social fabric of a community. Its time to recognise these contributions as legitimate forms of leadership.

But we also need to ensure that women are included in formal peace negotiations. Their voices must be heard from the very beginning of peace talks through to the drafting and implementation of peace agreements. When women are included in peace processes, issues like sexual violence, the rights of the displaced persons and economic empowerment of women are more likely to be addressed. This isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s a practical necessity for ensuring peace agreements are comprehensive and effective. Peace cannot be achieved by a select few, it requires the participation of everyone.

Empowering women leaders in the region is not just a matter of promoting gender equality. Its about ensuring that peace building efforts are effective, inclusive, and long lasting. Women voices are crucial in shaping the future of the region, and their leadership must be recognised and supported. By creating policies that guarantee women participation, providing leadership training and ensuring their representation in formal peace processes, the IGAD region can harness the full potential of its female population.

Finally, the goal is not just peace that lasts for a few years or a few decades, but resilient, sustainable peace built on strength of every person in the region. Women are not just part of the solution; they are key to the solution. It’s time for the region to recognise this and act.