1. Ensure that technical advisors (e.g. UN Standby Team) and mediation leadership have a gendered understanding of their area of expertise by (a) making it a criteria during recruitment and as part of their mandate; (b) providing formal training; and (c) expecting a partnership with gender/inclusion advisors.

2. Commission gendered briefing papers for all substantive themes that could arise in peace talks. Consult with belligerent parties and with women peacebuilders in developing these papers.

3. Seek and appoint envoys who have a proven track record in engaging women peacebuilders and integrating a gender lens in substantive areas.

4. Appoint a dedicated senior gender/inclusion advisor who has a direct reporting line to the envoy and is a member of the political team.

5. Recommend the appointment of a neutral gender and inclusion advisor to the peace talks who would be responsible for informing all negotiating parties.

6. Provide women peacebuilders with capacity building on technical issues (e.g. governance structures, cessation of hostilities), including mediation and negotiation skills. Continue this so they can be implementers and monitors.

7. Facilitate coalition building among women peacebuilders without forcing them into one bloc. Work with UN Women and international NGOs to provide this support.

Important to note:

Mediators should be evaluated on how well they’re implementing the UNSCR 1325 agenda across substantive areas of the peace process.
Consider assigning a liaison officer (with public contact information) in the mediation team mandated to inform and respond to civil society and women peacebuilders enabling them to have regular and direct access to the mediator or envoy.

Understand the Mediation Context

Give Political Support for Inclusivity

Provide Logistical and Financial Support