The engagement of women in peacebuilding is a key component of presenting war-torn countries with hope of reaching a sustainable and inclusive peace. Despite the large amount of research pointing to the importance of women's role in peacebuilding and the array of international resolutions and commitments to this goal, progress has been limited.
As a result, the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) sought to address this by marking International Women's Day 2021. CHS organized a symposium on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 1500 GMT which brought together prominent women experts, diplomats and practitioners who play a leading role in peacebuilding efforts at all levels. The event addressed the topic of women's role in peacebuilding from various perspectives including contexts of national strategies and policy frameworks, mediation efforts, education programmes, grassroots initiatives, and youth contribution, amongst others.
Keynote addresses were given by H.E., Sheikha Alya bin Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, H.E., Ms. Jacqueline O'Neill, Canada's Ambassador for Women, Peace, and Security, and H.E., Ms. Fatima Gailani, member of the Afghan Peace Negotiation team in Doha. In addition to the keynote speakers, further contributions were made by the Ethiopian and Tanzanian Ambassadors in Doha and practitioners from Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Afghanistan.
To watch a replay of the livestream of the symposium, visit our social media channels @OnlineCHS.