Women and Peace Agreements

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the ways in which issues related to women have been addressed in peace agreements. To provide the context for analysis, the relevant international legal rules and policies of the main international organisations involved in peace negotiations are looked at, in order to highlight possible binding obligations for states. The role of women is addressed throughout the various phases of conflict resolution from peace negotiations to the post-conflict stage. As peace agreements tend to have three main categories of provisions – dealing with the participation, protection and advancement of women – this article is divided into corresponding sections. It will study the variety of ways in which these issues have been addressed in peace agreements, highlighting possible weaknesses and discrepancies with the relevant legal rules and the gender mainstreaming policy