Women, Peace, and Security
Around the globe, the number of armed conflicts are accelerating and most peace agreements do not even last five years.1 In 2023, the number of women killed in armed conflict doubled and sexual violence increased by 50%.2 All G7 members have adopted national action plans on women, peace, and security (WPS), and GEAC calls on them to apply these plans as they respond to conflict and violence.
Recommendations
Ensure women’s meaningful participation at all decision-making levels in all aspects of peacebuilding
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Include local women peacebuilders in G7 discussions on Afghanistan, the DRC, Israel/Palestine, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, and other fragile and conflict-affected settings, including at the next Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
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Eliminate systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in peace processes, such as discriminatory laws, cultural norms, and lack of supportive infrastructure such as childcare, ensuring women’s voices are heard and valued.
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Fund local women-led peacebuilding organizations, which often lead vital mediation and facilitation efforts and help build community resilience against the spread of conflict and extremism.
Combat impunity for violations of women’s rights, including conflict-related sexual violence
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Uphold international humanitarian and human rights law.
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Enforce national and international laws that criminalize sexual violence and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
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Fund comprehensive survivor-centered services, including physical and mental health care, legal assistance, and economic support.
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Sanction individuals and entities responsible for sexual violence in conflict.
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Incorporate the WPS framework into policies and programs relating to defence, diplomacy, development and crisis response, including natural disasters, displacement, and environmental degradation.
Rationale
Evidence shows that when women are involved in peace negotiations, agreements are more likely to be reached, implemented, and sustained. Specifically, a peace agreement is 35% more likely to last at least 15 years when women are meaningfully involved.3 Women bring unique perspectives and often address the root causes of conflict, such as social and economic inequalities, contributing to long-term stability. This is more important than ever as global military expenditures keep rising.
Sexual violence in conflict is a deliberate strategy used to terrorize and destabilize communities, prevalent today in the DRC, Israel/Palestine, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, and other conflicts where it has been used as a purposeful weapon of war. Combating impunity for such violations, including through sanctions, is crucial for justice and deterrence. Providing comprehensive support to survivors not only aids their recovery but also empowers them to participate in peacebuilding processes, post-conflict recovery efforts, and society at large.
Footnotes
[1] University of Chicago, Pearson Global Forum. (2024)
[2] Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. (2024)