Increasing Women's Participation as Decision Makers and Leaders

Focus Areas

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When parties to a conflict, such as government representatives and militias, come to the negotiating table, they often address the redistribution of power, resources, and territory. Rarely is there genuine concern for human security, addressing the needs and rights of victims affected by the violence, and empowering all members of society to make informed decisions about their lives and communities.

Women’s voices in governance continue to be absent due to their unequal representation in government positions, civil society, and business. As critical agents of social change, women must participate in the decisions that affect their lives and the lives that depend on them, especially during the process of conflict resolution.

The International Women’s Program supports initiatives that encourage and increase women’s roles as decision makers in a number of areas, including:

• peace and reconciliation efforts;
• electoral and legislative process; and
• disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, security sector reform, and reconstruction programs.