“I’m here because of my own credentials.” When women delegates say, “We don’t represent women.” Resistance to inclusivity can come not just from armed groups or state actors but from within civil society, causing tensions between women delegates or representatives and...
“This doesn’t concern women.” Military and security issues are ‘technical’ and ‘not relevant’ to women peacebuilders. Some argue that women do not need to be included in peace negotiations because the military and security issues on the table are not relevant to their...
“Who are these women anyway?” Questioning the legitimacy of women peacebuilders. Questioning the legitimacy of a group or individuals is a sure means of excluding them from the mediation process. On the inclusion of women, this ‘legitimacy’ question is often raised....
“The mediator can’t do everything,” or doesn’t consider inclusion of women a priority. Given the urgency of ending violence, mediators often assume that women are not directly relevant at the early stages of mediation. Some worry that engaging women will complicate a...
Conflict parties won’t accept women at the table. Experience and research show that belligerent parties are open to interaction with civil society actors, notably elders and religious leaders. But on the question of women, there is significant resistance across most...
