This paper identifies four fields where the EU can promote women's political participation. First, it is crucial that the EU uses all its diplomatic power to promote the inclusion of women in peace negotiations to guarantee a more inclusive and representative settlement. Second, women's access to political spaces should be increased through more gender-sensitive electoral laws and processes, implementation of specific quotas and capacity building programmes for female candidates, as well as awareness-raising among political parties and the general public. Third, the EU can play an important role in supporting women's participation in civil society. Small civil society organisations (CSOs), in particular, have difficulties in accessing core funds. As a result, CSOs are unable to fulfil their watchdog role. Fourth, women's participation in peace processes, political institutions and CSOs can only be meaningful if it leads to more representative and inclusive policy, practice and outcomes. Meaningful policy change can be promoted through various means, such as technical assistance, political pressure as well as support for CSOs and the media to monitor government actions.