Women and International Peacebuilding Strategies: Selected Examples

This study provides an analytical examination of the role of women and peacebuilding strategies at the international level through a comparative analysis of two case studies of peace processes in countries that have experienced armed conflicts and political transitions, namely Colombia and Liberia. The study aims to explore the role of women in formulating peacebuilding strategies, as well as to identify the challenges and opportunities they encounter in this field.

The study adopts three methodological approaches. First, the historical method is employed to trace and describe the evolution of the concept of peacebuilding and to examine the role of women within it. Second, the analytical method is utilized to assess policies and strategies that enhance women’s participation, particularly in formal peace negotiations, with the objective of achieving stable and sustainable peace. Third, the comparative method is applied to analyze variations across political, social, and cultural contexts, highlighting women’s capacity to influence peacebuilding and post-conflict processes through diverse tools, including mediation, negotiation, economic empowerment, institutional participation, and grassroots advocacy.

The study yields several key findings, most notably that women’s participation in peacebuilding extends beyond symbolic representation to encompass practical and effective mechanisms. Moreover, women’s strategies are often more deeply rooted in both local and international societal contexts and demonstrate a greater capacity to build trust among conflicting parties. The study concludes by recommending the need to strengthen women’s representation in formal peace negotiations and to ensure their meaningful participation in post-conflict phases.