A few men are present among a predominantly female audience; moderator Sarah Taylor, researcher at the International Peace Institute, immediately sets the tone of the debate. “For decades, for centuries, women were either absent or under-represented in peace processes. But things started to change when they managed to mobilise. ”

What role and at what level? 

Although just 2% of UN mediators are women, women are often over-represented at a local level. So why are there so few women at the highest levels? For Catherine Turner, Professor at the University of Durham: “Women focus on human relationships and conciliation at a local level, as they are often perceived as less threatening, without a predominantly political role. But this isn’t recognised as a skill when it comes to mediation, which is problematic in terms of leadership.”                                            
Do we need to be more creative to include women in the resolution of conflicts, including the conflict currently devastating Syria? Christina Shaheen, gender adviser at the Office of the United Nations Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Syria, has come up with strategies to improve the role of Syrian women in peace discussions. “I suggested that they come as advisers. They addressed all issues related to Syria, not just those facing Syrian women. They came from very different backgrounds: some were secular, others were very religious, but they were all women with hands-on experience, whether at a humanitarian level or as members of armed groups. By coming together, these women with their different backgrounds have created a link between the UN and Syria.”

Giving women a voice

For Jody Williams, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, there’s no magic formula. But the last thing we should do is to be silent because that makes us complicit. “My activism began with the Vietnam war. I’ve always felt that if I see something unacceptable and I don’t do anything, I’m complicit. I’ve decided to challenge things. Polite women don’t make history! Since the creation of the Nobel Peace Prize, 83 men, 22 organisations and just 18 women have won it. Six female Nobel winners have worked on the idea of lasting peace; no male winner has done so. Women ask themselves how they can help others, they’re not interested in taking the credit!”