We are excited to launch our third thematic animation in the Better Peace Initiative series! Gendered Devolution: Why it matters, how to do it explores why gender sensitivity and inclusivity in devolution processes matters and how it can be done in very practical ways.
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Since the 1990’s the proliferation of actors and growing complexity of contemporary wars have demanded new approaches to their prevention and resolution. Traditional approaches to conflict resolution are not working. Inclusion of a range of actors is necessary to achieve sustainable peace.
Women are often the ones to stand up and struggle for peace in their country. Research conducted across conflict zones over the past 15 years has confirmed that the inclusion of women civil society in peace processes can reduce the chance of failure by 50%, and that women’s groups make significant contributions when present. But inclusion in practice requires a paradigm shift away from a narrow notion of peace negotiations as security and political processes to acknowledging that they must be inclusive societal processes.
Recognizing the need to move beyond the question of why inclusivity matters in peace processes to how to do it in practice, ICAN in 2014 launched its Better Peace Initiative (BPI). Drawing on consultations with expert practitioners and mediators, we developed the Better Peace Tool (BPT), the first in our series of tools. The BPT explores the history and evolution of peacemaking in modern times, and considers six common barriers to inclusion and how to overcome them. It then presents a four-part framework for the inclusion of women peacebuilders. The tool addresses the “how to” question by offering practical guidance for the effective inclusion of gender perspectives and women peacebuilders.
As the demand and momentum for gendered peacemaking and women’s inclusion grows, personnel in state and multilateral institutions as well as women peacebuilders are requesting guidance to inform their work. To meet this demand, we continue to develop innovative tools that can be used by diplomats, governments and grassroots peacebuilders to ensure inclusivity and gender sensitivity in peace making. We are producing short thematic animations on gendered thematic topics that are commonly addressed in peace processes, such as transitional justice and devolution.
We also recognize that a comprehensive peace agreement alone does not guarantee sustainable peace. Reforming institutions like the justice- and security sector are often part of building a peaceful society. So this year we are tackling more themes, such as gendered community policing.
Our materials are translated for use in multiple settings. We welcome translation requests as well as suggestions for thematic topics to tackle.
We are incredibly thankful to the UNDP, the Compton Foundation, The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development for supporting the Better Peace Initiative!