Beyond Victims: Women as Architects of Lasting Peace

For the third consecutive year, Atlantik-Brücke’s Female Network convened a high-level discussion on the eve of the Munich Security Conference, cementing its place as a vital platform for dialogue on gender and geopolitics. This year’s theme, “Beyond Victims: Women as Architects of Lasting Peace,” underscored a crucial shift in the global discourse: women are not merely casualties of conflict; they are essential to its resolution.

The fireside chat brought together Yael Braudo-Bahat, Co-Director of Women Wage Peace, and Tirana Hassan, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, in a conversation moderated by journalist Katja Gloger. Their discussion explored the critical role of women in international peace negotiations, emphasizing grassroots movements and cross-border collaboration as indispensable tools for sustainable conflict resolution. Sawsan Chebli, speaking on behalf of Atlantik-Brücke’s Female Network, set the stage with opening remarks that reinforced the urgency of female inclusion in diplomacy.

The imperative is clear. UN Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted 25 years ago, laid the foundation for women’s participation in peace processes. Yet, progress remains uneven. Both speakers underscored that real transformation requires not just policy commitments but tangible action—placing women at negotiation tables, amplifying their voices, and ensuring their leadership in shaping peace agreements.

As the world grapples with escalating conflicts, this discussion was more than symbolic; it was a call to action. And as Atlantik-Brücke’s Female Network looks ahead, one thing is certain—these conversations must continue, not just as a tradition, but as a necessity.