Women in Peace Processes Amidst a Shifting International Order
SWiPP Event | Geneva, 29–30 January 2026
At a time of profound geopolitical change and growing pressure on multilateral cooperation, the meaningful participation of women in peace processes is facing renewed challenges. On 29–30 January 2026, the Swiss Women in Peace Processes (SWiPP) network convened at the Graduate Institute in Geneva to reflect on these dynamics and strengthen collaboration across policy, practice, academia, and civil society.
The event opened with remarks by Ambassador Tim Enderlin, Head of the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), who reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and to supporting women’s engagement in peacebuilding and mediation.
A high-level roundtable, moderated by Mariana Groba Gomes (PHRD), examined the role of women in peace processes in a shifting international order. Panelists Nicolas Masson (FDFA), Nathalie Gendre (DCAF), Mmabatho Ramagoshi (African Women Leaders Network), and Deborah Schibler (PeaceWomen Across the Globe) highlighted that women’s participation is not only a matter of inclusion, but a key factor for sustainable and legitimate peace outcomes. While global commitments exist, speakers stressed that implementation remains uneven, with women often facing tokenistic participation, limited access to decision-making spaces, and insufficient resources—particularly at the local level.
The afternoon featured thematic workshops led by SWiPP members, focusing on mediation and women’s inclusion within the OSCE, enforcing the WPS agenda through the case of Colombia, Swiss mediation practice from headquarters to the field, lessons from peace efforts in Sudan, and the role of religion in peacebuilding.
The second day brought SWiPP members together for forward-looking workshops on current challenges and opportunities for women’s networks, a shared vision for SWiPP in five years, and strategic priorities for the network’s future.
The event reaffirmed SWiPP’s role as a unique Swiss platform for exchange and cooperation, and underscored a shared conclusion: sustainable peace is not possible without the meaningful, well-resourced, and protected participation of women at all levels of peace processes.