Women in Peace: Driving Conflict Resolution in the Middle East

 More Than Victims: The Role of Women in Conflict Prevention

This report by the Wilson Center explores women's evolving role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. It critiques the tendency to portray women solely as victims of conflict, emphasizing their active participation as peacebuilders, leaders, and negotiators. Drawing on discussions from a 2002 conference, the report highlights several cases, including in Kashmir and Nigeria, where women have organized grassroots movements for peace. The report also connects women’s participation to international policy frameworks, like UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which advocates for gender equality in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Challenges, such as the lack of political inclusion, are also discussed.  



https://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/more-victims-the-role-women-conflict-prevention-pdf



Reassessing Women’s Role in Peace and Security in the Middle East 


This article from the Middle East Institute examines the overlooked but vital role of women in both violent extremism and peacebuilding within the Middle East. It critiques the gender biases prevalent in military and counter-terrorism strategies, which often reduce women to mere victims. The piece highlights that women are not only affected by violence but are also active combatants and peacebuilders. It also discusses the involvement of women in non-state armed groups, where they often take on key roles that challenge traditional gender roles, underscoring the importance of including women in broader security discussions.  



https://www.mei.edu/publications/reassessing-womens-role-peace-and-security-middle-east



Middle East: The Role of Women in Conflict & Post-Conflict Resolution


The Council on Foreign Relations report underscores the importance of women's involvement in conflict resolution, particularly in the Middle East. It argues that women’s participation leads to more effective and lasting peace agreements, with research showing that when women are included in peace processes, the resulting agreements are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years. The report also highlights women's various roles, from mediators to advocates. It outlines how the U.S. can support women's participation in global conflict resolution efforts, benefiting local communities and broader U.S. foreign policy goals.  



https://thesouthernhub.org/topics/women-peace-security/middle-east-the-role-of-women-in-conflict-post-conflict-resolution


In examining the role of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding in the Middle East, all three sources underscore the crucial yet often overlooked contributions of women in these processes. The Wilson Center emphasizes that women are more than victims, acting as essential peacebuilders and advocates for conflict prevention​. The Middle East Institute highlights how women take on diverse roles, from combatants to peace negotiators, while challenging traditional gender biases in military and security strategies​. Similarly, the Council on Foreign Relations stresses that women’s inclusion leads to more durable peace agreements that benefit local communities and international interests​. These insights affirm that empowering women in conflict resolution is vital for achieving long-lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

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