Pathways to Peace: Empowering Young Women as Agents of Change

A side event at the Geneva Peace Week 2024

The OSCE and the Centre for Dialogue and Progress Geneva will organize a high-level event highlighting the critical role that networks play in empowering peacebuilders and support women’ leadership and agency in peace processes. The event will also offer the opportunity to highlight some of the challenges faced by women peacebuilders from conflict and post-conflict settings and identify concrete steps and recommendations for joint international actions towards greater inclusivity.

Key Note Speaker

• Ambassador at Large Helga Maria Schmid - President of the European Institute of Peace and Vice President of the Foundation Council of the Munich Security Conference. 

Opening remarks

• Dr. Lara Scarpitta - Senior Gender Adviser, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
• Ambassador Thomas Greminger - Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Security Policy

Speakers

• Alisa Kockar - Programme Coordinator at National Youth Council of Serbia and member of Dialogue Academy Alumnae Network (DANA)
• Rita Berisha - Project Manager, University of Iceland and University of Pristina and member of Dialogue Academy Alumnae Network

• Elham Kohistani - Human Rights Defender, WPS Consultant and OSCE Women Peace Leadership Programme Alumni

Moderator

• Yama Sukhanyar - Executive Director, Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace

Closing remarks

• Loredana Teodorescu - President, Women in International Security (WIIS) Italy and Head of Mediterranean Women Mediators Network (MWMN)

Background

Women and youth are pivotal for peace and security, offering unique perspectives to conflict resolution.

Their active involvement is essential for creating sustainable peace and enhancing community resilience. While each group has its own unique strengths, their combined actions can drive comprehensive peace initiatives and prevent future violence.

Globally, young women face numerous barriers to participation in peacebuilding, including societal norms, gender discrimination, and limited access to education and resources. These challenges are compounded in conflict and post-conflict settings, where young women's voices are often marginalized, and their contributions undervalued. However, when young women are actively involved in peacebuilding, they can play transformative roles in conflict resolution, community cohesion, and the promotion of human rights. Their engagement not only enhances the effectiveness of peace processes but also ensures that the specific needs and rights of young women are addressed, fostering more equitable and resilient societies.

While specific global statistics on young women’s contributions to peacebuilding are less commonly cited than those for other groups, several studies and reports highlight the significant impact young people have in this area. A publication by the United Network of Young Peacebuilders found that youth-led organizations are actively engaged in peacebuilding activities, including mediation, dialogue facilitation, and community-building initiatives. Research by the Search for Common Ground organization indicates that youth involvement in peace processes can lead to more inclusive and effective outcomes, as young people bring unique perspectives and innovative approaches to conflict resolution. The Global Youth Peace and Security Index, developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace, shows a positive correlation between youth inclusion in peace processes and overall peace and stability in societies.

Registration

Please register here.