One consequence of the "super election year" 2024 is the marked increase in authoritarianism. It may take different forms depending on the country, but certain characteristics are recognisable everywhere: contempt for women and marginalised population groups and the restriction of their rights. In this world view, militarisation in the name of ‘security’ is being pursued at the expense of social welfare or non-military peacebuilding. What can be done to counter this onslaught of authoritarianism? networks of women activists. In 2024, our work with our programme partners and in the Feminists Connecting for Peace network repeatedly showed us the power and impact of these networks: they are both strongholds against authoritarianism and sources of creative and persistent action for peace.

In the Annual Report 2024, you can read about the diverse peace work of women, whether in an ongoing armed conflict, as in Ukraine or Sudan, or after the official end of an armed conflict, as in Nepal or the Philippines. We will continue to work with women's networks in 2025 – because they are not only strongholds against authoritarianism but also the cornerstone of our feminist peace work.