SCR 1325 is a watershed political framework that emphasises the role of women and the need to integrate a gender perspective in all aspects of conflict prevention, resolution, peacebuilding and post-conflict resolution.

We continue to monitor and advocate for the implementation of this groundbreaking resolution, and believe that there is still a need to promote and encourage women’s engagement in peace and security issues. At the same time, our gender work has shifted its focus from women to a more inclusive approach addressing both women, peace and security issues and the impact of conflict dynamics on men, women, boys and girls.

We view SCR 1325 as an entry point for working on issues related to gender and peacebuilding, not as an end in itself, and it is therefore only one of the tools that is relevant to ensuring that women and gender issues are a part of and engaged in efforts to support processes such as political participation, conflict prevention, access to justice and DDR.

• Research with partners in conflict zones and academic institutions to develop a gender-based understanding and analysis of local contexts, issues and needs at practical and policy levels
• Making policy recommendations on key issues to policy makers, implementers and practitioners at national, regional and international levels
• Supporting local partners in conflict-affected regions to act as an advocacy bridge between policymakers and civil society organisations, fostering spaces for dialogue and effective communication of priorities between these diverse groups
• Capacity building for men and women so that they can effectively advocate for the integration of gender issues in peacebuilding and security processes at national, regional and international levels
• Providing specialist support and advice on gender issues to International Alert’s regional programmes in conflict zones and at national, regional and international policy levels
• Cross-regional, thematic research on the gender dimensions of specific peacebuilding issues such as security sector reform, political participation and gender-based violence

Gender analysis is important for peacebuilding, because violent conflict affects and engages men, women, boys and girls in different ways. Their different roles, needs and priorities must be taken into account when responding to conflict and building peace.

Women and men are both affected by conflict, but due to gender inequalities and the lack of structures and norms to protect them, women are often more vulnerable and bear the brunt of many of the harmful consequences of armed violence. In addition to physical insecurity, the many challenges that women face in post-conflict environments include extreme poverty, the destruction of social networks and coping mechanisms, limited options for employment and livelihood-generation, and exclusion from political and decision-making structures. Without addressing these various physical, economic, and socio-political insecurities experienced by women, the attainment of other peacebuilding and development goals will be compromised.

The term gender is often incorrectly seen as being synonymous with women. The origins of gender approaches to conflict analysis come from the women’s movement, and traditionally these approaches have involved empowering women and encouraging their participation at multiple levels in order to achieve equality. This is important as women’s rights and their role in building peace have often been undermined or ignored.

However, it is also important to resist stereotypes of women as victims or men as aggressors. In reality, both men and women have multiple and complex in conflict and peacebuilding. We believe that understanding these different roles and ensuring that both men and women are active participants is vital in any efforts to build an inclusive, sustainable and locally-owned peace.

• Thematic research based on context-specific evidence gathered during consultations at local, national and regional levels. This research will include issues such as gender-based violence and political participation justice and the role these issues play in women’s ability to participate in peacebuilding
• Targeted advocacy through engagement with donors and governments, as well as influencing global policy through our involvement in networks at the UK, the EU and the UN. Read more about our policy-level advocacy work here
• This project also involves specific research and advocacy work on gender issues as part of the EC-funded Initiative for Peacebuilding.

With its partners in civil society, governments and international organisations, International Alert played an important role in advocating for SCR 1325. Since the resolution was passed in 2000, we have worked to advocate for its coherent implementation by the UN system, member states and other international actors.

• March 2008: In conjuction with Members of the European Parliament, EPLO organised a roundtable to bring national experts and civil society representatives together to share their experiences and expertise on developing National Action Plans (NAPs) on the implementation of SCR 1325. A key aim of the event was to provide valuable lessons learned for countries currently or imminently engaging in the process of developing or updating their NAPs as well as set the stage for future discussions on how to more effectively involve women and integrate their priorities into peacebuilding. Click here to access the event report


• June 2007: International Alert and the NGO Working Group organised a roundtable focused on the gender dimension of peacebuilding in Sierra Leone and Burundi, with the aim of influencing the members of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), as well as UN agencies and the national government in those countries. Participants heard directly from leading Burundian and Sierra Leonean women peacebuilders as part of a wider effort to enhance communication between local women’s organisations and decision-makers. Click here to access the event report.


• March 2007: Alert participated in and helped to organize a panel discussion with GAPS and the High Commission for Canada on involving men in the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325. It focused on how and why SCR 1325 is relevant to men, as well as broader efforts to build sustainable peace. The event also explored strategies to increase men’s engagement with work around SCR 1325 at the UK and international levels. Click here to access the event report.