Africafé: Gender in Mediation for Peace and Security

In this episode, we host Miss Loredana Teodorescu, Senior Fellow at the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) on gender issues in international relations and Head of the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network, at the Policy Center for the New South.

Given that most conflicts impact civil society, especially women and children, it is crucial to recognize women as key actors in conflict prevention and resolution. Despite some progress, women's participation in mediation processes and the gender sensitivity of peace agreements remain insufficient. Women are often involved but not always visible at the forefront of conflict prevention innovations.

In this episode, we explore pathways to enhance women's participation in mediation and peace processes to ensure their voices are integral to conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. Miss Teodorescu will share insights on strategies to overcome cultural and structural barriers, implement gender equality policies, and emphasize the role of civil society, particularly networks of women mediators, in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. We will also discuss ways to strengthen these networks to play a more effective role in peace processes through collaboration, resource allocation, and the creation of supportive environments for women mediators.