What is the Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund?
The Issue
Humanitarian crises and threats to peace are more common than ever before. Globally, the numbers of displaced people are the highest since World War II, and violent extremism threatens every region of the world. While many countries lapse from momentary stability back to conflict, other populations suffer for years—even decades—from extended crises.
Studies show that when women are empowered to meaningfully participate in conflict resolution, it undeniably results in more lasting peace. Women’s inclusion in peace processes makes humanitarian assistance more effective, strengthens the efforts of peacekeepers, prevents radicalization and the spread of extremism, and accelerates the economic recovery of conflict-affected communities.
From the positive impact of networks of women mediators in Burundi in preventing conflict, to peace huts in Liberia or situation rooms in West and Central Africa, women and their organizations have proven effective in their efforts in preventing conflict and sustaining peace.
Despite this, women’s participation in peacebuilding remains needlessly low, and financial resources supporting the activities of women peacebuilders are dramatically underfunded.
The Response
The Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund is a global partnership that aims to re-energise action and stimulate funding for women’s participation, leadership and empowerment in situations of conflict and humanitarian crises around the world.
This fund has been designed to stimulate a significant shift in women’s participation and leadership in conflict and post-conflict zones through the enabling power of financing.
The Goal
Our primary goal is to bring about peaceful and gender equal societies. In order to achieve this goal, we work to:
· Support women’s participation in decision-making processes and responses related to conflict prevention
· Increase women’s engagement and leadership in humanitarian action
· Enhance women’s representation and leadership in formal and informal peace negotiations
· Protect women and girls’ human rights
· Promote women’s involvement in economic recovery of their communities