From Protests to Paper: Using PeaceFem to Analyse Women's Inclusion in Peace Processes

Abstract

The PeaceFem app reveals that between 1993 and 2016, direct representation and consultations were the most common ways to include women in peace processes. Peace agreements frequently featured provisions for women’s participation and gender equality, but there was less emphasis on ensuring women’s roles in the implementation of these agreements or providing for their protection. The factors enabling women’s inclusion were context-specific but often involved active civil society and a pre-existing presence of women in public life. Conversely, common constraints included insecurity, violence against women, and negative societal attitudes towards women’s political participation. The app offers valuable insights into gender justice and peace, particularly as peace processes become more complex and technology creates both threats and opportunities for women’s inclusion.