15 August 2017
Women in Mediation: Connecting the Local and Global
![Women in mediation connecting the local and global](/sites/default/files/styles/general_sm_w340/public/2019-06/iStock-493534264-web%20new.jpg.webp?itok=utRWBIVH)
15 August 2017
Women in Mediation: Connecting the Local and Global
- Women’s representation in mediation remains persistently low despite normative commitments made to increase women’s roles in peace and security.
- There is a gap between the local peacebuilding work of women mediators and the representation of women in high-level peacemaking.
- Focusing exclusively on empowering women at the local level perpetuates a distinction between the “soft” work of peacebuilding conducted by women and the “hard” work of peacemaking that is the preserve of men.
- States and international organisations need to think more strategically about how to forge stronger links among local, national and international mediation practice.
- Greater clarity is needed on the definition of mediation and the distinction between mediation and advocacy.
- It is time to rethink the role and function of mediation in light of changing trends in conflict worldwide.