in Geneva
Background
Women and youth are pivotal for peace and security, offering unique perspectives to conflict resolution. Their active involvement is essential for creating sustainable peace and enhancing community resilience. While each group has its own unique strengths, their combined actions can drive comprehensive peace initiatives and prevent future violence.
Globally, young women face numerous barriers to participation in peacebuilding, including societal norms, gender discrimination, and limited access to education and resources. These challenges are compounded in conflict and post-conflict settings, where young women's voices are often marginalized, and their contributions undervalued. However, when young women are actively involved in peacebuilding, they can play transformative roles in conflict resolution, community cohesion, and the promotion of human rights. Their engagement not only enhances the effectiveness of peace processes but also ensures that the specific needs and rights of young women are addressed, fostering more equitable and resilient societies.
While specific global statistics on young women’s contributions to peacebuilding are less commonly cited than those for other groups, several studies and reports highlight the significant impact young people have in this area. A publication by the United Network of Young Peacebuilders found that youth-led organizations are actively engaged in peacebuilding activities, including mediation, dialogue facilitation, and community-building initiatives. Research by the Search for Common Ground organization indicates that youth involvement in peace processes can lead to more inclusive and effective outcomes, as young people bring unique perspectives and innovative approaches to conflict resolution. The Global Youth Peace and Security Index, developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace, shows a positive correlation between youth inclusion in peace processes and overall peace and stability in societies.
Objectives
In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, the role of young women in fostering peace and stability cannot be overstated. The panel "Pathways to Peace: Empowering Young Women as Agents of Change" aims to highlight some of the pivotal contributions of young women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution processes.
This panel will bring together women leaders and activists experts from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and insights in the areas of peacebuilding, including the role played by networks in support of their effective involvement in peacebuilding processes and decision-making at local, national, and international levels.
The discussion will also explore strategies for overcoming barriers to young women's participation in peacebuilding, including cultural, social, and institutional obstacles. By showcasing successful examples and providing a platform for dialogue, this panel aims to inspire a new generation of young women to take active roles in creating and sustaining peaceful societies and provide concrete recommendations in support of these efforts.
Ultimately, the panel seeks to underscore the critical need for inclusive approaches that recognize and elevate the voices of young women as essential agents of change in the pursuit of global peace and security.
More information on the agenda, speakers and registration to follow.