Gender Equality for Resilience and Peacebuilding

May 24, 2022 | Vongai Murugani
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In the past 50 years, gender equality and women’s empowerment have come a long way in many parts of the world, benefiting each area’s economic development and strengthening peace, among other positive changes. Evidence suggests that when women are involved in formal peace processes, the agreements are more inclusive, the welfare of both male and female combatants are considered, and better peace outcomes result. In the more than 20 years since the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security was announced, more women have been involved in formal peace processes. At the same time, the implementation of electoral gender quotas have led to an increase in the number of women who are elected as representatives of their communities, from grassroots initiatives to national law-making bodies. Having more elected women involved in shaping the law has, in some instances, also resulted in more gender-sensitive policies. Other advances towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in the past few years include global improvements in school enrolment, maternal and child health and women’s participation in labour markets.