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Gender equality is a strong predictor of peace – more so than a state’s wealth or level of democracy. And when the needs of women and girls are directly addressed, humanitarian action is more efficient and effective, the transition to post-crisis recovery is accelerated and communities are more stable and resilient.
We believe in peace for everyone, everywhere. But too often, women and girls are left out of the equation. The Compact’s mission is to drive accountability and intergenerational action, creating a people-centered approach to peace, humanitarian and development processes. Our work is not done until women and girls in all their diversity have decision-making roles and are equipped with the resources they need for impactful change.
From mediating conflicts and garnering support for peace agreements, to leading disarmament campaigns and establishing economic empowerment programs, women are at the forefront of sustaining peace. And when crises erupt, they head to the frontlines, providing humanitarian assistance and documenting human rights violations.
Every day women and girls make the world a better place. Yet, despite their efforts, they are often disproportionately burdened by conflict and crisis, and blocked from shaping the decisions that dictate their daily lives. From Afghanistan, where women have been barred from peace processes and leadership opportunities; to Tigray, where sexual violence has been systematically used as a weapon of war; to Ukraine, where the vast majority of refugees fleeing violence were women and children.
Peace is far more than the absence of war. To sustain it, we must address the nature of exclusion, discrimination, injustice and structural inequality which blocks women and girls from having equal rights.
Women’s contribution to peacebuilding, human rights advocacy and humanitarian action remains undervalued and under-resourced, even though it is proven to increase security and stability. Prioritizing gender-sensitive budgets and funding women-led organizations ensures women leaders have the financing and resources they need to do their work.
From Liberia to Colombia, evidence shows that women’s meaningful participation in peace processes leads to lasting, positive peace. However, parties to formal peace talks remain resistant to their inclusion. The Compact Framework outlines numerous Signatory actions which fully include the perspectives and needs of women and girls – such as appointing gender-balanced delegations and including gender-related provisions in all ceasefire agreements and humanitarian action plans.
The economic needs of conflict and crisis-affected women and girls are often absent from response and recovery plans. This directly impacts the ability of affected communities to fully recover from shocks, hindering sustained peace and development. Compact Signatories are increasing economic security and empowerment for women and girls by providing education and employment, as well as ensuring their meaningful input into economic planning and recovery.
Women are underrepresented in leadership, whether in elected office, the civil service, the private sector or academia. This occurs despite their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change, and their right to participate equally in democratic governance. Compact Signatories are levelling the playing field, promoting fair access to leadership roles whether in the halls of government, at the peace negotiation table or as architects of humanitarian action. Ensuring women’s decision‑making power is not a favor; it is essential to peace and progress for all.
Women and girls aren’t just barred from decision-making because of a lack of political will. In many cases, participation risks their very lives. Peacebuilders and human rights defenders have reported death threats and harassment. Women and girls in conflict and crisis face increased human rights violations, such as gender-based violence and human trafficking. Ensuring their protection means everyone can fully participate in, and benefit from peace, security and humanitarian action processes.
