Models for Women’s Inclusion in Track One Mediation in Peace and Transition Processes

Authors: Christine Bell and Catherine Turner

This paper focuses on modalities for ensuring that women and gender advocates have direct access to ‘Track 1’ peace and transition process talks – that is, formal talks between the key political-military elites at the heart of the conflict. The paper also considers how modalities of direct participation relate to ensuring that gender equality is addressed as part of the peace process. It is important to note from the outset, that direct access to Track 1 processes is only one of a number of ways that women can influence peace talks, peace agreements and their outcomes. Modalities of inclusion can inform the design of future peace talks and, in particular, the design of mechanisms for women’s participation to go well beyond inclusion in Track 1 talks.