The Role of the United Nations in enhancing women's participation in peace processes: A Case Study of the Syrian Women's Advisory Board (SWAB)

Details

Supervisors

Aoun, Elena

Faculty

Faculté des sciences économiques, sociales, politiques et de communication

Degree label

Master de spécialisation en action humanitaire internationale

Abstract

Women are disproportionately affected by the consequences of armed conflict; however, their voices and issues are often marginalized in negotiations and decision-making. This marginalization highlights the contradiction between the global discourse on gender equality and the reality for women, particularly in conflict zones. This research illustrates a review of the implementation of UNSCR 1325 (2000), focusing on women's participation in UN-led peace processes. The research examines Syrian women's advisory board (SWAB) as a case study, as they are one of the new and innovative mechanisms of the UN to integrate women into peace processes, SWAB is a board attached to the Office of the Peace Envoy, composed of local women, whose goal is to implement UNSCR 1325 in conflict countries. For that, this research utilizes an analytical framework consisting of four components: identifying structural inequalities, identifying the stages of the peacebuilding process, identifying the level of women’s participation in the peace process tracks, and measuring indicators of representation and inclusion in the political process. Based on available information about WAP and the interviews with SWAB members and Syrian women activists. It concludes that while women's advisory boards are important for integrating a gender perspective into peace processes, they are also a way of avoiding the direct presence of women at the negotiating table.