Women Peacebuilders: Commonalities in Northern Ireland, Liberia, and Israel/Palestine

From the streets of Northern Ireland to the war-torn landscapes of Liberia and throughout the enduring tensions in Israel/Palestine, women have commonly demonstrated an undying commitment to navigating patriarchal institutions to advocate for peace. The successes of grassroots women peacebuilders and their unique perspectives on conflict resolution underscore the urgent need for greater recognition and involvement of women in shaping peace agendas and building sustainable solutions. 

The journey of women peacebuilders in Northern Ireland highlights the success and struggle of securing women’s representation and advocating for gender-sensitive approaches to conflict resolution. From 1968 to 1998, in a period of Irish history known as “The Troubles,” Protestant unionists and Roman Catholic republicans engaged in a violent, sectarian, and political struggle over Northern Ireland’s fate. Protestant partisans wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom, while their Catholic counterparts wanted the province to join the Republic of Ireland. 

Many women experienced an overall disregard for their rights during the Troubles. These women recognized that ongoing peace talks and existing political parties involved in the peace process were not gender inclusive and decided it was time for their voices to be heard and respected. The Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition (NIWC) emerged as a beacon of hope during the conflict as the coalition represented a cross-section of Northern Irish society from Catholic/republican and Protestant/unionist backgrounds. The lack of female representation and frustration with the violence motivated these women to come together and speak out against the conditions in Northern Ireland. 

Women are historically left out of formal peace processes and forced to the sidelines while men dominate the decision making. The NIWC changed the narrative and contributed a gender-sensitive approach to conflict resolution. The NIWC recognized that women experience conflict differently and can offer a perspective of healing and integration to peace negotiations. Demonstrating their commitment to peace over victory, the NIWC introduced ideas of victim advocacy, integrated education, and mixed housing. By pushing for more policies and initiatives that addressed women's specific needs and political roles in Northern Ireland, the NIWC gave voice to their experiences. 

In another part of the world, after years of a brutal civil war in Liberia, the courageous efforts of women began peace negotiations. Military endeavors in the country were unsuccessful and only caused more pain and suffering. Mothers, grandmothers, and sisters rallied together from the ashes of this war to mobilize peace movements. Women and children suffered disproportionately during the Liberian Civil War as rape was systemically used as a psychological weapon against communities. Eventually, the women of Liberia formed the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace campaign. This mass movement of both Christian and Muslim women inspired dialogue and forced change in their nation. 

The women-led Liberian peace movement employed a highly strategic approach to the conflict. As a collective, women told their husbands that they would withhold physical intimacy if fighting did not cease. These sex strikes were particularly groundbreaking considering many of these women had survived abuse and sexual violence. They reclaimed their power and advanced peace by using sex to their advantage.

The efforts of Liberian women did not end with the cessation of hostilities. In the aftermath of the war, women continued to play a vital role in rebuilding their communities and promoting reconciliation. They initiated a disarmament campaign that offered money for weapons to get them off the streets. The peace movement also paved the way for the election of the first female head of state in Africa, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The election in 2005 proved that lasting change is possible when women are involved.

The ongoing war in Israel/Palestine brings its unique issues to the table, but women peacebuilders are the common thread. The structure of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians has evolved over the years; various formats have emerged, and different political leaders have come and gone. Attempts to negotiate a lasting resolution to the conflict have not been successful, even as some well-known frameworks have been established. Throughout peace efforts, like in Northern Ireland and Liberia before, women have been highly influential figures behind the scenes. 

Women must resort to grassroots and community-building efforts when left out of formal processes. Women Wage Peace and Women of the Sun are Israeli and Palestinian groups that work together for peace and dialogue. They acknowledge that each side has its own beliefs and that trying to convince one another is not the way to move forward. These powerful Israeli and Palestinian women each have their own organizations and communities, but they prioritize working together. Israel/Palestine needs more of these voices, especially with the ongoing Israel Gaza War. 

The lack of women’s inclusion in peace and security decision making has significant implications for international relations. It is important to use peace as a strategy, and policy recommendations should support these aims. These recommendations should target policy actors in the international community, including governments and states. Peace negotiations should be more gender inclusive. Understanding how gender influences a conflict’s dynamic is essential for the short- and long-term stability of a region. International policies and legislation need to be gender sensitive to address the needs of all groups significantly affected by conflict. Women and girls often bear the brunt of conflict-related violence, displacement, and economic insecurity, yet their needs are frequently overlooked in post-conflict reconstruction efforts. 

The experiences of women peacebuilders in Northern Ireland, Liberia, and the ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine demonstrate the promising potential of women in conflict resolution. Across these diverse contexts, women have demonstrated their commitment and resilience in fostering dialogue. Their activism, unique perspectives, and focus on gender-sensitive, peace-first approaches have proven their voices are integral to conflict resolution and enduring peace. The journeys of the NIWC, Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, Women Wage Peace, and Women of the Sun are clear examples of how women’s participation in decision making processes is essential to long-lasting peace.

Author: Yuval Cohen

Managing Editor: Jordan Roberts

Web Editor: Jerry Browne