WOMEN FOR PEACE
The International Peace Alliance (IPA) recognizes and addresses the disproportionate and unique impact of armed conflict on women and their role as active agents of change in peace and security. Experiences of peace and conflict have always had deep implications on gender. IPA’s Women For Peace International Division (WPI) engages in an agenda which includes issues for gender equality, including but not limited to the following:
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Increased participation and representation of women at all levels of decision-making
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Attention to specific protection needs of women and girls in conflict
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Gender perspective in post-conflict processes
International Peace and Security
Conflict affects everyone, but especially women who are confronted by discrimination and inequality every day, in every country in the world. Women face violence, abuse, unequal treatment at home, at work and in their wider communities, and are denied opportunities to learn, to earn and to lead.
Thus, recognizing the different ways women may experience peace and security, the International Peace Alliance (IPA) and its Women For Peace International Division (WPI) have made an important commitment to uphold women’s rights in the context of international peace and security with an agenda that draws attention to the unparalleled importance of women’s participation in peace and security governance.
Political Engagement and Leadership Participation
To this purpose, WPI has adopted a transformative approach that puts gender equality and equal participation of men and women in leadership positions back at the heart of the agenda. This includes leadership positions in conflict-resolution and political processes at all levels of society.
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In line with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 National Action Plans (NAPs) for ensuring the effective implementation of the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda, the WPI also encourages strategic engagement between national governments and local women’s rights organisations and networks that form the linchpin for the advancement of the WPS agenda as key to promoting political engagement and participation of women.
Research and Networking
A collaborative approach is fundamental to the WPI’s achievements, which involve many and varied partners, and IPA’s wider networks. Periodic learning events bring together the project’s national and international researchers to share their experiences and knowledge, as well as the challenges they encounter. All those involved in the research process are given the opportunity to reflect on these issues in an open and self-critical manner.