Broadening Participation of Women of Ethnic Political Parties in the Peace Process, March 2019

In Myanmar, as in many other conflict areas of the world, women are largely excluded from peace talks. Although women from Myanmar’s ethnic minorities are disproportionally affected by the consequences of subnational conflicts, including sexual violence, women involved in the peace process number far less than the 30 percent encouraged by the United Nations and agreed to by the participants in the Myanmar peace process. Women are also less represented in governments and parliaments of states, where there is a higher proportion of ethnic minorities, than in the regions.

Exclusion of women hinders the chances of success of the peace process. Empirical evidence indicates that a broader involvement of women in peace talks – both as negotiators and as external advocates – correlates with higher chances of reaching a peace agreement. Greater involvement of women also correlates with more comprehensive and sustainable peace agreements.

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