Violence, corruption and unequal laws are some of the obstacles that keep women in conflict-torn regions from participating in peace processes on equal terms with men. Another big part of the problem is the international community prioritizing men in senior positions in peace operations, according to the new report Equal Power – Lasting Peace by the Swedish women and peace organization The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation.

The report Equal Power – Lasting Peace is based on field studies conducted in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, the DR Congo and Liberia. Although the countries and conflicts differ, the patterns are strikingly similar.

In all the regions women and women’s organizations play important roles in resolving conflicts in local communities and in managing everyday life.

But when it comes to formal decision fora the doors are closed for women. This is contrary to the statements of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which emphasizes that, in order for reaching a sustainable peace, women must participate on the same terms as men in all parts of peace processes.