From hopeful agreements to disillusioned peace? The effects of peace agreement implementation on women’s security and empowerment

Project overview

Project leader

Co-researchers

Project period

  • 2018-2021

Project description

In 2016, Colombia saw a considerable number of women participating in the peace process, working to ensure that both women and men would benefit from the peace. It was a hopeful scenario for achieving a more equal peace. But the experience in Colombia and in other cases have shown that a gender-aware agreement is not enough. Research suggests that during peace agreement implementation, the creation of a more peaceful society for men does not necessarily equal a more peaceful society for women. In addition, studies show that women may be more negative than men towards peacebuilding initiatives, including ex-combatant reintegration, amnesties, and truth commissions.

To investigate this, we look at experiences of men and women after war, including when peace agreements are implemented, and examine the post-conflict quality of the peace. Ultimately, we will look to see if gender-aware peace agreements translate into action for women’s security and empowerment. We combine a global study tracking the inclusion and implementation of gender aspects in peace processes, with in-depth analysis of Colombia including a panel survey.

Main financial support

Funded by the Swedish Research council