The Contribution of Women to Peace and Reconciliation
The Contribution of Women to Peace and Reconciliation
The Contribution of Women to Peace and Reconciliation
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<strong>The</strong> Charter stresses the goal <strong>of</strong> ending the Israeli occupation through<br />
immediate final status negotiations on a two-state solution. It also underlines<br />
the need <strong>to</strong> hold all parties accountable for fulfilling their obligations<br />
under UNSC Resolution 1325 <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> include women in the<br />
process.<br />
<strong>The</strong> mission <strong>of</strong> the IWC was clearly delineated in the charter: first, <strong>to</strong><br />
work for an end <strong>to</strong> the occupation <strong>and</strong> genuine negotiations <strong>to</strong>wards a<br />
just <strong>and</strong> sustainable peace; secondly, <strong>to</strong> promote a process <strong>of</strong> political<br />
dialogue aimed at rectifying ongoing asymmetries <strong>and</strong> addressing all elements<br />
<strong>of</strong> reconciliation; third, <strong>to</strong> ensure the meaningful participation <strong>of</strong><br />
a diverse range <strong>of</strong> women, including those from civil society, in any Israeli-Palestinian<br />
peace process; <strong>and</strong> fourth, <strong>to</strong> guarantee that women’s<br />
perspectives <strong>and</strong> experiences be incorporated in any accord in order <strong>to</strong><br />
enhance gender equality <strong>and</strong> societal well-being.<br />
<strong>The</strong> detailed objectives <strong>of</strong> the IWC underlined the connection between<br />
political work (setting forth principles <strong>and</strong> concrete measures <strong>to</strong> facilitate<br />
political progress between Palestine <strong>and</strong> Israel based on the principles<br />
<strong>of</strong> fairness, justice, <strong>and</strong> equality; pushing for transparency <strong>and</strong> account -<br />
ability within a human rights framework), <strong>and</strong> gender-based action (increasing<br />
representation <strong>of</strong> women at the negotiating table, injecting<br />
gendered perspectives on the process; mobilizing women <strong>and</strong> other<br />
groups in civil society in support <strong>of</strong> these goals). <strong>The</strong> list <strong>of</strong> activities elaborated<br />
at the founding meeting <strong>of</strong> the IWC <strong>to</strong> carry out this agenda was<br />
ambitious <strong>and</strong> innovative, ranging from the formulation <strong>of</strong> political positions<br />
on key issues or events taking place on the ground <strong>and</strong> advocacy<br />
at the highest level, <strong>to</strong> the mobilization <strong>of</strong> broad constituencies.<br />
In retrospect however, what has become the most powerful <strong>to</strong>ol <strong>of</strong> the<br />
IWC is the decision <strong>to</strong> operate as a unified group speaking with one<br />
voice. In this respect, the IWC is unique in the Israeli-Palestinian l<strong>and</strong>scape,<br />
as it seeks <strong>to</strong> achieve internal consensus among its members<br />
on critical issues before it disseminates its positions <strong>to</strong> decision-makers<br />
<strong>and</strong> the public. <strong>The</strong> IWC has thus become the only major organization<br />
in which Palestinians, Israelis <strong>and</strong> key members <strong>of</strong> the international community<br />
act with a unity <strong>of</strong> purpose <strong>to</strong> bring an end <strong>to</strong> violence <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> in-<br />
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