Across peace processes globally, women remain significantly underrepresented in formal negotiations, despite strong commitments under the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Where participation exists, it is often ad hoc or symbolic rather than meaningful. At the same time, practice increasingly shows that peace processes extend far beyond formal negotiation tables. Women influence outcomes through a range of pathways, including consultations, advisory roles, dialogue initiatives, and networks that connect local, national, and international levels.

The panel challenges a narrow focus on “participation at the table” and instead explores participation as a multi-level, process-oriented approach. In a context marked by geopolitical tensions, shrinking civic space, and pushback against the WPS agenda, there is a need to identify practical and politically feasible ways to strengthen women’s influence across peace processes.

The event is organised by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in cooperation with PeaceWomen Across the Globe.

The panel will be moderated by Deborah Schibler, director of PeaceWomen Across the Globe.

Speakers

• Suayan Barón Melgarejo, head of our Colombia office, will be joined on the panel by Kate Fearon, director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre; Alona Horova, head of the Institute for Peace and Common Ground, Ukraine; Farima Nawabi, executive director of Afghanistan Brain Bridge, Sweden; and Miara Fatima M. Mapandi, lead convenor, Generation Peace Youth Network, and faculty member, Mindanao State University, Philippines.

• Introductory remarks will be made by Dr. Lara Scarpitta, senior advisor on gender issues and head of the Gender Issues Programme at the OSCE and Stefanie Küng, chief of staff of the Peace and Human Rights Division at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland

More information and registration

More information on this event.

Registration is mandatory.