Various Council of Europe standards  and its Gender Equality Strategy (2024-2029) recognise gender norms and gender-based violence as key obstacles for women’s participation in political, public, social and economic life and speak to the silencing effects of sexism and violence. These tendencies increase during conflict and war, including through the systematic use of conflict-related sexual violence as a weapon of war. As a result, women are sidelined and left out of decision-making related to peace and security.

Women’s rights organisations are often among the first ones to detect gendered risks and gender-based violence in situations of conflict and war. In Ukraine, too, women participate in new ways in various spheres of society. At the same time, gender-based violence has reportedly increased, fuelled by ever more entrenched gender stereotypes.  In the context of militarisation a glorification of masculine values also resonates at a global scale. The latest reports to the United Nations General Assembly by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine illustrate that women are particularly vulnerable to violence and sexual abuse and reflect the gendered nature of their treatment, for instance in detention and during forced searches. 

The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) and Recommendation 2010(10) refer to States’ responsibility to promote change in gendered social and cultural norms and related patterns of silencing and violence against women. Gender norms and gender-based violence hinder women's participation in democratic life generally. Clearer insight is needed into the consequences that gender norms and gender-based violence can have on the participation of women in efforts related to peace and security.

In societies affected by conflict and war, the risk of social fragmentation is high. Stronger participation and leadership of women in all their diversity broadens the range of perspectives shaping peace agreements and reinforces accountability and transparency. Building on Council of Europe standards, the Conference will identify key elements for effectively advancing women’s participation at all levels of peace and security efforts – from local, community-driven conflict resolution to high-level diplomacy and negotiation tables. 

The Conference will discuss how to address discrepancies in participation compounded by intersecting factors – such as age, disability, income level, sexual orientation and gender identity –  as a crucial element in building inclusive and cohesive societies and preparedness for stability and sustainable peace.