The participation of women in peace and political processes is central to lon...

The participation of women in peace and political processes is central to long-term peace and stability. We see that more than half of all peace agreements fail within five years. While the reasons for failure are complex and unique to each conflict, there is one common thread, historically: a lack of women's participation. Of the hundreds of peace agreements signed in the past 20 years, a sampling of those treaties shows that less than 8 per cent of negotiators were women. Research suggests that women who participate in peace talks often raise issues like human rights, citizen security, justice, employment and health care — issues that are key to long-term recovery and stability but which are often ignored. Civil society can be instrumental in increasing the participation of women in these processes. Just this month in Afghanistan, for example, over two hundred representatives from Afghan civil society, political parties, Government, provincial councils, the religious community and the High Peace Council gathered for the national conference for strengthening the role of women in the peace process. They discussed increased participation of women in reconciliation efforts, greater protection for Afghan women and the importance of compliance with resolution 1325 (2000) by the Afghan Government. The delegates are currently drafting an action plan to drive genuine progress for Afghan women.