Muslim women in peace processes: Reflections for dialogue in Mindanao

Women are rarely part of the decision-making in peace processes – something that is considered an obstacle to successful conflict transformation. Many people – men as well as women - argue that women’s exclusion or under-representation is normal, sometimes referring to traditional values and roles. Others instead highlight that tradition or even religion does not hinder anybody’s participation. For a peace processes to be sustainable, it cannot exclude half the population. 

This discussion paper, written by Conciliation Reesources' Philippines Programme Director, Kristian Herbohlzheimer,  aims at informing the debate on the current and potential roles Muslim women play in the Mindanao peace process. By providing references from other Muslim contexts, the paper encourages Muslim women with different and even diverging perspectives and priorities to identify common agenda points. It is also an appeal to men to learn from good practices and not shy from innovative approaches.