Peace processes need a feminist vision! Background Much has been achieved at international level in the critical field of women, peace and security in recent years. Yet women are still woefully underrepresented in the Afghan peace process. The basic rights for which they fought so hard are at stake in the country’s internal negotiations with the Taliban. By Anna Schwarz and Sarah Weiß
Women, Security and Israeli Politics – Going Backwards The number of women in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, reached a record high last year, but even then they accounted for only 30% of all Knesset Members (34 out of the 120 Knesset members). However, it is already projected that following the elections the number of women Members of Knesset will be even lower. By Anat Saragusti
Kenya’s LGBTQ #Repeal162 case ruling postponed Article Article 27.4 of the Kenyan constitution states "The state shall not discriminate directly or indirectly against any person on any ground, including race, sex, pregnancy, marital status, health status, ethnic or social origin, colour, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, dress, language or birth." However, the state and the citizens of Kenya have engaged in the systematic discrimination, stigma and violence against LGBTIQ persons in Kenya.
Under Surveillance: Cameras at every intersection Even in 2018, most queers know something about hiding. We know why you don’t have to be a criminal to need the cover of darkness. So do refugees and migrants, people with dark skin, and people who wear hijabs or turbans. By Dia Kayali
Summary Requirements for All Levels of Peace and Security Policy Our fundamental demand is that a gender perspective be incorporated into all documents and concepts as a central category for sustainable conflict prevention, and that all participants take it seriously. To do so, it is indispensable to use gender specific data, particularly for conflict analysis. Credible and just gender strategies for conflict prevention and a peace-oriented security policy can only be pursued successfully if adequate funding is available.
Overcoming a Culture of Violence To establish security following a violent conflict, the culture of violence must be thoroughly transformed by gender policy and feminist perspectives.
Strengthening International Law and International Peace Norms The ban on violence in international law must be reinforced at all levels. This includes reforming the UN, for which, with all its imperfections, there is no alternative. The UN Security Council must be reinforced and democratized as a body for preserving world peace. If a conflict arises, all preventive, political, economic, and diplomatic means must be utilized in full to avoid an escalation of violence.
Dealing with Differences Peacefully – Feminist Ways to Peace The future challenge to peace-oriented policy-making lies in establishing a permanent basis for addressing differences by non-violent means, nationally and internationally. Peace-oriented policy must address three basic dilemma.
Interventions Abroad Must Take Account of Gender Peace and security for all people require sustainable concepts. Wars and violent conflicts can only be successfully prevented if human rights are protected worldwide and if women participate equally in the planning and implementation of peace and security policy.
The OSCE as a Model for Peace Policies The activities of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) can serve as a starting point for an effective peace policy. This organization’s great merit is having prevented war, but this has received little political recognition; on the contrary, in recent years, the OSCE has been increasingly relegated to political obscurity.
