An SNSF Agora-funded project led by Agnieszka Fal-Dutra Santos brings Colombian women peace activists, researchers and the public together in Bern for an evening discussion and art event to reflect on the strategies and advances of women peace activists working against anti-gender backlash and militarization in Colombia and beyond.
Nearly twenty-six years since the adoption of UNSCR 1325, women peace activists are facing unprecedented challenges. Militarized narratives, anti-gender backlash and violence make their work more difficult than ever - but also more necessary. In this context, the project Making Peace Work: how women’s participation leads to more comprehensive and durable peace agreements, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, seeks to highlight the experiences and strategies of Colombian women peace activists and learn from them.
The event will take place on 15 October 2026 at 17:30 - 20:30, in Berner Generationenhaus, Bahnhofplatz 2, Bern.
From Research to Public Dialogue
The project is led by Agnieszka Fal-Dutra Santos, Principal Investigator at the Centre for Development and Environment, University of Bern, and Research Associate at the Geneva Graduate Institute's Gender Centre. A former researcher at the Institute's Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP), Fal-Dutra Santos works on Women, Peace and Security, gender in peacebuilding and feminist approaches to recovery and reconciliation.
Jennifer (Gigi) Thornquest, CCDP Communications Consultant and SNSF Agora Specialist, is supporting the project's public engagement, creative communications and development of the event and exhibition.
Building on research into women's participation in peace processes, the initiative seeks to make the knowledge and experiences of Colombian women activists accessible to audiences beyond academia, while creating opportunities for reflection and exchange.
An Evening of Conversation, Art and Encounter
The event will combine a moderated panel discussion with interactive reflection and dialogue, inviting participants to engage directly with Colombian women activists and their experiences of peacebuilding.
Visitors will also have a first encounter with an exhibition in the making, featuring photographs, Colombian artwork, handicrafts and other materials connected to the participating women and organisations.
Rather than presenting peace solely as the outcome of formal negotiations, the evening will draw attention to the everyday work of building relationships, sustaining collective action and navigating political and social challenges.
The discussion will take place in English and Spanish, with consecutive translation. Refreshments will be served.
Event Information
MAKING PEACE WORK
Thursday, 15 October 2026 | 17:30–20:30
Berner Generationenhaus
Bahnhofplatz 2, Bern, Switzerland
For questions, please contact Jennifer Thornquest.
Learn more about the SNSF Agora-funded Women in Peace Processes project.