Women’s participation in Gaza peace implementation processes remains limited despite evidence that inclusive approaches produce more sustainable outcomes. The male-dominated negotiating and guarantor structures reflect broader patterns excluding women from formal peace processes despite their significant conflict impacts and peace contributions.
Research demonstrates that peace agreements involving women’s participation show higher implementation success rates and longer duration before breakdown. Women bring different perspectives, priorities, and problem-solving approaches that enrich peace process design. Yet Gaza’s implementation discussions occur primarily among male political and military leaders.
Palestinian women have endured particular hardships during conflict including family losses, economic devastation, and infrastructure collapse affecting their caretaking responsibilities. Their perspectives on implementation priorities might emphasize different issues than male negotiators focused primarily on security and political control questions. Including women’s voices could improve implementation relevance to affected populations.
International norms increasingly recognize women’s peace participation as rights issue beyond merely instrumental considerations. UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions establish frameworks for ensuring women’s inclusion in peace processes. Yet transforming normative commitments into practical participation remains challenging.
Mediators should actively work to include women in implementation monitoring, transitional governance structures, and reconstruction planning. Creating participation pathways requires intentional effort overcoming cultural barriers and political structures favoring male leadership. The long-term success of Gaza peace implementation may partly depend on whether it breaks from historical patterns excluding half the population from formal roles in building their own peaceful futures.
