Foundations for Gender Inclusive Peacebuilding

Sep 1, 2020 | Abiosseh Davis
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Through years of programming experience in post-conflict contexts, Interpeace has learned first-hand that inclusion, particularly of marginalized and historically excluded groups, is fundamental for the sustainability of peacebuilding efforts. Gender, as seen through an intersectional lens, is arguably one of the most profound sources of exclusion across cultures and contexts globally. Gender inclusive peacebuilding programming can both render peacebuilding efforts more sustainable and create opportunities for the transformation of norms and practices that perpetuate inequality based on gender and other identities.

There are many reasons as to why gender matters in peacebuilding. First and foremost, conflict dynamics are inherently gendered, which concerns both men and women and the intersectionality of their identities. Further, gender influences vulnerabilities that individuals face before, during, and after violent conflicts. As a result, gender influences the capacities of resilience exercised by individuals and groups in the face of the conflict. Moreover, gender norms have an impact on the way individuals and groups participate in and shape peace processes. Good gender-inclusive programming starts with gendered conflict analysis. For gender inclusive processes to positively contribute to peacebuilding efforts, they must go beyond representation and include opportunities and strategies for influencing. Inclusivity is more than equality of participation; it is also about greater equality of outcomes. Thus, advancing gender inclusivity and peacebuilding requires multisectoral partnerships.