Women can be key to achieving ‘sustainable peace’, says Swinney

Ensuring women can play a part in conflict resolution is a “strategic necessity for achieving sustainable peace”, Scotland’s First Minister said.

John Swinney spoke about the Scottish Government’s “commitment to international peace-building”, making clear he wants women to have a “central role” in that process.

He confirmed the Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship programme will continue to be supported by Government cash as part of a new £400,000 programme to back peace-building organisations in Scotland.

It is named after United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, on women, peace and security, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.

Delivered by Scottish-based group Beyond Borders and the University of Edinburgh Law School, the scheme has trained more than 360 women peace-builders from 40 conflict-affected countries across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Latin America since 2017.

Announcing the Scottish Government’s continued support for the scheme on International Women’s Day on Saturday, Mr Swinney said: “Scotland has a proud history of championing peace, democracy, and human rights.

“On International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to international peace-building and ensuring women have a central role in that process.

“We know when women are involved in peace processes, the outcomes are fairer and longer lasting.

“Ensuring women’s participation is therefore not just a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity for achieving sustainable peace.

“That is why I am pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government is extending its support for the Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship programme.

“At a time of heightened global conflict – and when investments in overseas aid are being cut elsewhere – Scotland is proud to support the role of women in international peace-building efforts and sharing our values of democracy and devolution to help others build lasting, peaceful societies.”

Mark Muller Stuart KC, founder and director of Beyond Borders Scotland, said it is “delighted to have secured renewed funding”.

He added that the fellowship, which is about to enter its 10th year, has “done so much to support women’s presence within peace processes around the globe”.

He added: “The Scottish Government’s announcement of this exciting award on International Women’s Day is a fitting tribute to the tireless efforts of women peacemakers and builders working around the world to help their communities emerge from conflict.”

Professor Jo Shaw, head of Edinburgh Law School, said: “At a time when armed conflicts are becoming more complex, the University of Edinburgh welcomes the Scottish Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive peace-building.

“Globally, women are disproportionately affected by conflict and often denied full roles in local, national, and international peace-building efforts.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the Women in Conflict Fellows and Scottish peace-building community to increase the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace-building.”