In 2024, the world witnessed more conflict than at any point in recent history, with over 185 armed conflicts recorded globally, including 61 active state-based conflicts, the highest number since records began in 1946. An estimated 676 million women and girls were living within 50 kilometres of these conflicts, meaning nearly one in five women worldwide were directly affected by violence and instability.
Yet, despite bearing the consequences of war, women remain largely excluded from peace negotiations, leaving a stark gap between lived experience and decision-making at the peace table.
Fact 1: Women are still underrepresented in peace processes
Despite global commitments to gender equality, women make up only a small fraction of decision‑makers in peace processes. In 2024, available global data indicated that on average, women made up only 7% of negotiators and 14% of mediators in formal peace processes worldwide – and many peace talks still include no women at all.
These figures show that, even 25 years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which underscored the need for women’s full and meaningful participation in peace and security efforts, progress remains limited and fragile.
Fact 2: Women want their voices to be heard
Women consistently express a strong desire to be involved in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Through Women for Women International’s From Asking to Action consultation, women across conflict-affected countries shared how they already work to prevent violence and promote peace in their communities.
In Iraq, 75% of women consulted said they advocate for peace and conflict resolution during times of crisis to prevent escalation. In South Sudan, 55% described women engaging in community dialogue and mediation, while 60% said women actively advocate for peace. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an overwhelming 97% of women said they believe women have a vital role to play in preventing conflict.
We need to be part of the solution. We know what we need better than anyone else.
From Asking To Action Consultation Participant, Ukraine
Fact 3: Including women improves the quality and durability of peace agreements
Research shows that including women in post-conflict peace agreements reduces the probability of conflict recurrence by up to 37%.
In many peace processes, those igniting wars are invited to the negotiating table, while those seeking true peace, such as women’s groups, are sidelined. In 2024, only peace agreements reached in South Sudan included representatives of women’s groups as signatories.
Fact 4: Women are essential to rebuilding stronger communities
Beyond the negotiation table, women play essential roles in community resilience and grassroots peacebuilding. In many conflict zones, women’s groups have brokered local agreements, de‑escalated violence, and sustained reconciliation efforts long after formal talks have ended.
Their absence from formal peace processes not only undermines the legitimacy of peace efforts, it also misses a vital opportunity to harness the full range of lived experiences and solutions that women bring.
Fact 5: Women’s participation protects their rights and security
When women are meaningfully included in peace negotiations and post conflict recovery, agreements are more likely to address issues that directly impact women: access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities, legal protections and mechanisms to prevent gender-based violence.
This creates a more inclusive, just and sustainable peace, where women are safer and more economically and socially empowered.
Women for Women International works alongside women survivors of conflict, supporting them to rebuild their lives through access to education, economic opportunities and social networks. When women are empowered, they become agents of change, strengthening families, supporting communities and contributing to peace from the ground up. Their leadership at the community level demonstrates why their inclusion in national and international peace processes is so critical.
