INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI | Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 2770
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The Role of Women in Peace-Making: Global Perspective and the
Indian Context
Dr Pragati Choraria
Jain Vishwa Bharati Institute, Ladnun
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000237
Received: 02 November 2025; Accepted: 08 November 2025; Published: 15 November 2025
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the evolving role of women in peace-making, with a particular emphasis on global
experiences and the Indian context. Adopting a qualitative-descriptive research design, the study analyzes
secondary data from United Nations reports, policy documents, scholarly literature, and case studies of women-
led peace initiatives. The methodology involves comparative thematic analysis to identify global trends and
Indian-specific patterns of women’s participation in peace processes.
The key results reveal that while women’s formal representation in global peace negotiations remains limited—
only 13% of negotiators and 6% of mediators between 1992–2022—their informal and grassroots contributions
significantly enhance reconciliation, post-conflict recovery, and social cohesion. In India, case studies from
Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Nagaland, and Chhattisgarh demonstrate that women’s organizations have
successfully mediated local disputes and fostered communal harmony.
The study’s implications stress the need for institutional reforms to integrate women systematically into peace
and security frameworks. It concludes that women’s inclusion is both a moral imperative and a strategic
necessity for achieving durable, inclusive peace and sustainable national development.
Keywords: Women, Peace-making, Gender, India, Conflict Resolution, Global Perspective, Sustainable Peace
INTRODUCTION
Peace-making is a complex and multidimensional process requiring inclusive participation from all sections of
society. Historically, peace negotiations have been dominated by men, marginalizing women’s voices despite
their vital roles in community healing and conflict resolution. Across the world, women have demonstrated
exceptional capacity to sustain dialogue, rebuild trust, and nurture social justice in post-conflict societies.
In India and beyond, women’s peace work often remains invisible in policy frameworks and academic discourse.
This study therefore seeks to explore the evolving landscape of women’s engagement in peacebuilding, both
globally and within India, to highlight their transformative impact and the institutional challenges they face.
LITERATURE REVIEW
A growing body of literature has examined the gendered dimensions of peace and security. The adoption of
United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 (2000) was a pivotal milestone, emphasizing
women’s participation in peace processes. Studies by UN Women (2023) and Council on Foreign Relations
(2019) highlight that peace agreements involving women are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years than those
without female participation.
Globally, women leaders such as Leymah Gbowee in Liberia and the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition have
demonstrated that female inclusion enhances negotiation outcomes and community reconciliation.
In India, scholars like Basu (2016) and Butalia (2018) have documented women’s peace-building initiatives in
conflict-prone regions. The Meira Paibi movement in Manipur, Naga Mothers’ Association in Nagaland, and
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI | Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 2771
www.rsisinternational.org
Kashmir Women’s Collective are cited as powerful examples of women-led nonviolent interventions. However,
gaps persist in institutional recognition and formal representation.
Research Questions
This study is guided by the following key research questions:
1. What are the global trends in women’s participation in peace-making and conflict resolution processes?
2. How have women in India contributed to peace-building in conflict-affected regions?
3. What institutional, cultural, and policy barriers limit women’s inclusion in formal peace processes?
4. How can global and Indian experiences inform strategies for gender-sensitive peace policy frameworks?
METHODOLOGY
This study employs a qualitative-descriptive research design, relying primarily on secondary data analysis.
Data Sources:
1. United Nations and UN Women reports (2000–2024)
2. Scholarly journals on peace and gender studies
3. Policy documents from the Government of India and NGOs
4. Case studies of women-led peace movements
Analytical Approach:
1. Thematic content analysis was used to identify key themes such as representation, empowerment,
institutional barriers, and community reconciliation.
2. Comparative analysis was conducted between global examples (e.g., Liberia, Colombia, and Northern
Ireland) and Indian case studies (e.g., Manipur, Kashmir, and Nagaland).
3. Triangulation of data from reports, policy papers, and media accounts was undertaken to enhance
validity.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Global Findings
1. Between 1992 and 2022, women constituted only 13% of negotiators, 6% of mediators, and 7% of
signatories in major peace agreements (UN Women, 2023).
2. Women’s involvement in peace negotiations has led to longer-lasting and more inclusive peace
agreements.
3. Case studies from Liberia, Northern Ireland, and Colombia show that women’s grassroots mobilization
can compel warring parties to the negotiation table.
Indian Context
1. In Jammu and Kashmir, organizations like Athwaas and Kashmir Women’s Collective engage in trauma
healing, dialogue, and advocacy for victims of violence.
2. In Manipur, the Meira Paibi women’s network has acted as a community watchdog against human rights
violations, often mediating between the military and civilians.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI | Volume XII Issue X October 2025
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3. The Naga Mothers’ Association (Nagaland) promotes peace through the motto “Shed No More Blood”,
mediating ceasefire dialogues.
4. In Chhattisgarh, women’s self-help groups have become vehicles for peace through livelihood generation
and conflict de-escalation in Maoist regions.
Key Insights
1. Women’s informal peace-building efforts often achieve greater community impact than formal political
negotiations.
2. Structural barriers, patriarchal norms, and limited access to decision-making hinder women’s formal
participation.
3. The integration of women’s voices in policy and security institutions remains minimal, necessitating
reform.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
1. Institutional Reform: Governments should institutionalize women’s participation in all peace and
security frameworks.
2. Capacity Building: Training programs for women mediators and community leaders can strengthen peace
infrastructure.
3. Gender-Sensitive Governance: Implementation of India’s National Policy for Women (2016 Draft) and
the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda should be accelerated.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish gender audits and peace indices to measure women’s impact on
peace sustainability.
CONCLUSION
The study affirms that women’s participation is central to building inclusive, sustainable peace. From global
arenas to India’s conflict-affected regions, women have proven to be effective mediators, peace advocates, and
social reformers. Yet, their contributions remain undervalued within formal political and security structures.
Integrating women into every level of peace-making—from grassroots dialogues to national Security
Council’s—is not merely a question of representation; it is a strategic imperative for ensuring just and lasting
peace. India’s evolving democratic framework provides an opportunity to lead by example in institutionalizing
gender-sensitive peace-building practices.
REFERENCES
1. Basu, A. (2016). Women, Peace, and Security in South Asia. Routledge.
2. Butalia, U. (2018). The Other Side of Silence: Voices from the Partition of India. Penguin.
3. Council on Foreign Relations. (2019). Women’s Participation in Peace Processes. Retrieved from
https://www.cfr.org
4. UN Women. (2023). Facts and Figures: Women, Peace, and Security. United Nations.
5. United Nations Security Council. (2000). Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. United
Nations.
