Women, War and Peace

Citation:

Ferris, Elizabeth. 2004. Women, War and Peace. Uppsala, Sweden: Life & Peace Institute.

Author: Elizabeth Ferris

Abstract:

This research essay offers a synthesis and overview of perspectives and controversies, which surround eight issues related to the theme of women, war and peace. It is part of the research project “Women and Nonviolence,” organized by LPI, World Council of Churches and Lutheran World Federation. Women largely remain on the margins of peace negotiation, and politics is still seen as primarily the business of men. Unfortunately, there are still very few women in positions of power. There is, however, increasing awareness of the contributions that women can make in peace processes, and there are cases where women’s groups have fought for a place at the peace negotiation table. Moreover, there is growing general awareness that women are disproportionately victims of conflict. But the fact remains that the response of national organizations and the international community to these issues is inadequate. The programmes developed by the UN, NGOs and churches are far from sufficient to address the growing needs. In several conflict-ridden regions of the world, women themselves make important and powerful efforts to promote peace and reconciliation on a local level. These efforts are important signs of the contributions that women can make to their communities and point to the need of the further organizing of women.

Topics: Armed Conflict, Gender, Women, International Organizations, NGOs, Peacebuilding, Political Participation

Year: 2004