Role of Women in Peace Negotiations

[WestCoastRunner]

"Wherever there is conflict, women must be part of the solution” – Michelle Bachelet

I discovered an interesting E-Discussion on women's participation in politics in post-conflict countries. Some interesting thoughts:

It's a very good discussion since "Women are still mainly the victims of conflict; their voices still go unheard after the fact and their needs in post-conflict countries often ignored."

Some suggestions brought forth:

“Affirmative action measures should be established, as part of state policies, in favor of women’s development in each country, thereby reducing interference with and control of the state and citizens to comply. Gender quotas should also be established, with the non-recognition of institutions that do not meet the quota, promoting leadership and financial support, which are considered essential, among others"

"Such quotas have assisted women to voice their demands and interests during the reconstruction process in countries such as Afghanistan, Rwanda, and Uganda, among others."

I believe that with more women in power, solutions will be found through peace and not violence. Here is an example of a woman in power and the end results:

"In Nicaragua we are blessed to still have alive a great woman who became president of this country by ending a very bloody 10 year-long war. As a woman, she brought about a peace dialogue and allowed a hurt people the opportunity to be reborn, to dream again. This woman returned the faith and hopes to an entire country and sent a message to the world that peace was attainable. I know that perhaps there were many factors that helped make this possible, but I am convinced that it was the fact that she was a woman, a wife and mother that moved the people to fight with faith and with the hope to attain peace in our country and to stop killing each other. For this, Nicaragua is proud to have had Violeta Chamorro as president.”

You can read more here.

Edited March 18, 2015 by WestCoastRunner

[Derek 2.0]

I believe that with more women in power, solutions will be found through peace and not violence. Here is an example of a woman in power and the end results:

Yet, throughout history, Women in power, like Men, have used violence to achieve geo-political goals:

I don't feel sex determines War and Peace, as one could point to both outcomes from leaders of both genders.

[WestCoastRunner]

Yet, throughout history, Women in power, like Men, have used violence to achieve geo-political goals:

I don't feel sex determines War and Peace, as one could point to both outcomes from leaders of both genders.

I am sure there are examples, but it doesn't in any way take away the role that women can and should play in peace negotiations, especially in third world countries where women are the primary target of violence in conflicts. Would you not agree with this statement?

[Derek 2.0]

I am sure there are examples, but it doesn't in any way take away the role that women can and should play in peace negotiations, especially in third world countries where women are the primary target of violence in conflicts. Would you not agree with this statement?

Without a doubt (I don't agree though that more women in politics would result in more or less peaceful outcomes though), though not only as political actors, but also representing numerous NGOs that women play prominent roles in.

[WestCoastRunner]

Without a doubt (I don't agree though that more women in politics would result in more or less peaceful outcomes though), though not only as political actors, but also representing numerous NGOs that women play prominent roles in.

I do believe we would have more peaceful outcomes.

[WestCoastRunner]

More examples of women playing a role in peacekeeping initiatives. They may not have been politicians but can you imagine what more they could have accomplished if they were:

“[in Somalia] over 1,000 youth aged between 18-25 years have been salvaged from the notorious Al Shabbab militia by SWA members after they expressed their interest in leaving the group. In the Somali civil war women find themselves at the center of conflicts fought between their sons, husbands and relatives. Peacebuilding conferences in Somaliland, in Borama and Sanaag (1993) and Hargeisa (1996), would not have taken place without the collective lobbying of women pressuring the elders to intervene to end the conflicts.

“In Liberia, due to the presence of women in the peace negotiations, a peace agreement was concluded and language on gender balance in government institutions was included in the peace agreement."

"In India, in the northeastern state of Manipur, more than 10,000 people have died as a result of armed violence. The Women's Network of Manipur, survivors of the armed conflict, was created by women to heal the wounds caused by armed violence in their community. The Network sponsors education and supports the children of survivors and raises awareness about the effects of gun violence in the community."

“Even if women don’t qualify as direct actors in peace dialogues, history shows that they have managed to participate creatively and with initiatives that have improved the process. For example, in Sri Lanka,Uganda, Kosovo, Chile and Argentina there were the Truth Commissions and women did not stop until they were heard and made part of these commissions."

[Moonlight Graham]

I don't feel sex determines War and Peace, as one could point to both outcomes from leaders of both genders.

That's not true. The world would be a safer place if Sarah Palin had the launch codes.

[Boges]

Only women we approve of though. Margaret Thatcher doesn't count as a woman right?

Brazil seems very happy with their woman leader.

[poochy]

I do believe we would have more peaceful outcomes.

Well it's a nice myth, maybe it is true.

[jacee]

It depends if the women go topless at the negotiating table or not.

Kidding!

Creepy. :/

.

[Derek 2.0]

I do believe we would have more peaceful outcomes.

Why?

[Derek 2.0]

That's not true. The world would be a safer place if Sarah Palin had the launch codes.

Speaking of launch codes.......guess which Gandhi launched a war of aggression against Pakistan and was Prime Minister of India when they exploded their first nuclear weapon:

For a hint, this Gandhi didn't make his/hers own clothes.......

[Derek 2.0]

Only women we approve of though. Margaret Thatcher doesn't count as a woman right?

Brazil seems very happy with their woman leader.

Of course not, as the Iron Lady waged and won a war against Argentina, making use of unrestricted submarine warfare in doing so:

Funny enough though, nearly 33 years later, the current leader of Argentina:

Is fixing for another fight with the British.....

[WestCoastRunner]

Let's turn this into a beauty pageant. And while we are at it let's diminish the women I mentioned above because of a miniscule number of female politicians

[WestCoastRunner]

Why?

Read my response about women and their past successes.

Edited March 19, 2015 by WestCoastRunner

[Derek 2.0]

Let's turn this into a beauty pageant. And while we are at it let's diminish the women I mentioned above because of a miniscule number of female politicians

I don't think the realization that Women in power can be as much of "warmongers" as men diminishes those notable women mentioned by yourself.......Its as if Women, like Men, should be judged on their actions and not on their gender.......That is true equality for Womankind.

[Derek 2.0]

Read my response about women and their past successes.

I did, but they don't support your claim that women in power are more "peaceful" than men.....

[WestCoastRunner]

I did, but they don't support your claim that women in power are more "peaceful" than men.....

I said, 'just imagine if these women had power'! Think of the results. I don't understand your arguments.

[WestCoastRunner]

I did, but they don't support your claim that women in power are more "peaceful" than men.....

Let's elect more women around the world and see what happens.

[Derek 2.0]

I said, 'just imagine if these women had power'! Think of the results. I don't understand your arguments.

But in many of those nations you mentioned (Chile, Kosovo, Argentinia etc) have women in power today.

[Moonlight Graham]

Women, in my experience, are generally more socially-minded and less power-hungry than men. However, female politicians are the exception because the vocation by its nature is power-seeking. In order to be a successful female politician you have to be as tough/aggressive or even moreso than a man.

Edited March 19, 2015 by Moonlight Graham

[WestCoastRunner]

Only women we approve of though. Margaret Thatcher doesn't count as a woman right?

Brazil seems very happy with their woman leader.

I can understand this comment coming from Boges but I was surprised with the response from MG.

[WestCoastRunner]

Women, in my experience, are generally more socially-minded and less power-hungry than men. However, female politicians are the exception because the vocation by its nature is power-seeking. In order to be a successful female politician you have to be as tough/aggressive or even moreso than a man.

No they don't. If you had read the accomplishments of the women I mentioned earlier, you can see that being tough/aggressive is not a prerequisite to being a successful politician looking for solutions through peacekeeping.

[Derek 2.0]

Let's elect more women around the world and see what happens.

Why? A World full of (female) Thatchers or (Indira) Gandhis would be less peaceful then a World full of (male) (Mahatma) Gandhis or Nelson Mandelas.......

[WestCoastRunner]

Why? A World full of (female) Thatchers or (Indira) Gandhis would be less peaceful then a World full of (male) (Mahatma) Gandhis or Nelson Mandelas.......

Right. You completely ignored the accomplishments I have quoted. Not sure what agenda you are after.