Scoping Study “A strategy for women’s participation in peace processes in Nineveh”

From June until August 2020, Swisspeace, in cooperation with elbarlament’s local experts in Iraq, developed a scoping study on the conflict context of the Nineveh governorate in Iraq and the role of women in the current peace process. The study aims to support elbarlament e.V. within the framework of the project “Towards Enhancing Women’s Participation in Peace Processes in the Nineveh Region”, a project commissioned by the GIZ. The project involves the drafting of a strategy paper on improved participation of women in peace, reconciliation, transitional justice, and conflict resolution processes in Nineveh; inspired by the UN Security Council Resolution 1325. elbarlament e.V’s strategy paper has been finalised and will be published in the upcoming weeks. It will offer recommendations on these issues as well as an executive summary that will be submitted to the Iraqi President’s Office. 

The study sets out with a brief analysis of the conflict history of Iraq in general, and the Nineveh Governorate in particular, outlining key actors and lines of conflict and tensions as well as their underlying drivers. It then provides insights into the research participants’ definitions of peace and their assessment of ongoing peacebuilding activities, including the main challenges. 

The cornerstone of the study is dedicated to women’s participation in Nineveh. Starting with women’s participation in political decision-making, it continues with their involvement in peacebuilding, focusing on why it matters and why it is currently insufficient. Furthermore, it looks at the role of UNSCR 1325 in Iraq, both past and present, and draws conclusions for the Second National Action Plan for the resolution’s implementation. It finishes the section on participation by looking at the current status of female refugees’ participation and what needs ought to be addressed to increase it. 

The study then moves on to a short section on transitional justice, sketching the research respondents’ trust and evaluation of existing judicial institutions to bring justice as well as their attitude to the establishment of an international criminal tribunal. It finishes with recommendations and entry points for action. 

The study is available here.