Women in peace building
Peace-building in Colombia is a central issue because of the country’s history and because armed disputes persist to this day in many regions. In this peace-building work, women play a significant role. On the one hand, they are specifically impacted by the war, so their contribution to peacebuilding is essential. On the other hand, they simply make up 51.2% of the Colombian population (DANE, 2018).
In Colombia, especially women in rural areas are important actors in peacebuilding, as the armed conflict developed and is still mainly concentrated in these regions. However, according to Bautista and Bedoya (2017), there is still little research in relation to the topic. The authors mention in their article, among others, the phenomenon of feminization of resistance against the armed conflict. It is a fact, that women are the ones, who face alone the multiple consequences of war, especially the loss of their children and partners (Ibid., 2017). In most cases, they assume the role of caregivers and protectors of life. Their actions have a positive impact on the nuclear family and the community in which they live. Thus, new forms of coexistence and social relationship emerge, which decrease violence against women (Bautista & Bedoya, 2017, p. 126-127). The authors also highlight in their article the heterogeneity and plurality of women’s movements fighting for peace. This movement is characterized by its multiple perspectives and political and ideological motivations, as well as its diverse social, ethnic and class origins (Bautista & Bedoya, 2017, p. 126). For us, it is fundamental to recognize this diversity in the field of women and peacebuilding.
"the implementation of a policy with a gender approach, which mitigates the inequalities, injustices and exclusions faced by women, could cause a positive transformation. This policy will be based on a supportive, free, egalitarian and dignified society for women and men."
Many Colombian women’s organizations contribute to the construction of a feminist peace (such as Casa de la Mujer, Limpal Colombia and Sisma Mujer). It emphasizes that peace is directly related to the elimination of discrimination and structural oppression of girls and women in public and private spaces (Sisma Mujer, 2022). With the construction of a feminist peace, new perspectives and ethical practices are generated, which confront hegemonic discourses and inequality between men and women, as well as between ethnic groups and regions (Casa de la Mujer, 2023). Thus, a process of awareness raising is needed regarding the patriarchal construction of what it means to be a woman, and also regarding exploitation and violence against women and excluded groups. We must also question the resolution of violent conflicts in private life and in public and political spaces. To this end, the implementation of a policy with a gender approach, which mitigates the inequalities, injustices and exclusions faced by women, could cause a positive transformation. This policy will be based on a supportive, free, egalitarian and dignified society for women and men (Casa de la Mujer, 2023). It is clear that as long as there is no free expression for more than half of humanity – women – there is no peace.
A very important legal framework for women and peacebuilding, and an instrument referred to by many women’s organizations in Colombia, is Resolution 1325. This was approved in 2000 by the United Nations Security Council (Security Council, 2000). The resolution requires, among other things, to guarantee and respect the rights of women and girls in the context of armed conflicts and to promote their participation in decision-making processes before, during and after conflicts (Limpal Colombia, 2023). The values of the Women in Peace Foundation Colombia are based in part on this international political instrument and its application in the territory, that is, in real life.
Authors: Maria Mauersberger and Carla Beck
