Invisible No More: Women Influencing Peace in Europe and Central Asia

Women remain significantly underrepresented in peace, security, and political processes across Europe and Central Asia, despite their vital roles in community resilience and peacebuilding. In 2023, women accounted for just 9.6% of negotiators, 13.7% of mediators, and 26.6% of signatories in peace and ceasefire agreements - highlighting their persistent exclusion from formal decision-making processes. This marginalization undermines both the inclusivity and sustainability of peace efforts. 

Evidence shows that women’s participation strengthens peace outcomes. Including women in peace processes increases the likelihood of an agreement lasting at least two years by 20%, and at least 15 years by 35%. 

UN Women plays a pivotal role in addressing these gaps through five critical mechanisms identified in its 2018 - 2023 evaluation:

•             Convening stakeholders

•             Raising awareness

•             Supporting women’s mobilization

•             Embedding the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda within institutions

•             Developing strategic partnerships 

These actions are most effective when they build institutional capacity and foster long-term engagement with both government actors and women’s civil society networks.

Such efforts align with broader mandates under the WPS and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) frameworks, including UNSCR 1325 and UNSCR 2419, and emphasize the need to mainstream gender-responsive and youth-inclusive approaches across peace processes throughout the region.

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