In this programme, we focus on the point in time when there is little or no talk of peace and narratives revolve primarily around military and humanitarian measures. But peace work is relevant long before negotiations begin. The conditions must be actively created long before that: peace intentions and visions need to be developed and peace activists and their networks can be supported even during armed conflict. In this way, we can ensure that women are prepared to engage with the post-conflict period and to strategically plan for and participate in structural, transformative change. 

Our work in our Peacebuilding During Armed Conflict programme began in 2020 in the areas of eastern Ukraine that were annexed by Russia in 2014. Even after Russia expanded its war of aggression to other parts of the country in 2022, we continued our peacebuilding work with women affected by the conflict together with our partners. The insights and experiences we have gained through our work since then form an important basis for our activities in other countries that are also affected by armed conflict and war.

The aim of our foundational work is to show:

• that safe spaces for women create an environment in which honest exchange about peace, armed conflict and security is possible from diverse feminist perspectives, and trust is built for dialogue that builds bridges.

• that this open dialogue contributes to alternative peace narratives that counteract war propaganda and enemy images.

• that these alternative peace narratives are indispensable for building broad-based peace intentions and influencing a future negotiation agenda to take women's demands into account and include them in conflict transformation.

Preparing for participation in dialogue

We promote safe spaces that enable open dialogue, exchange, access to knowledge and self-directed learning as a basis for women to develop their skills. In Ukraine, we work hand in hand with women who take on responsibility and leadership roles in social and public affairs. We support them in sharing their insights and learning processes within their own networks. This allows them to strengthen these networks and expand their connections with other networks.

These grassroots connections with diverse women and their demands legitimise them as experts in conflict analysis and resolution. By strengthening themselves and their networks, the women are prepared for participation in ongoing and prospective dialogue processes.