The present Peacebuilding in Practice paper lays out the foundations for gender inclusive peacebuilding and is a result of a reflection process that Interpeace took between 2017 and 2019 to examine its implementation of gender programming. It demonstrates lessons learned and recommendations for developing, implementing and evaluating gender inclusive programmes. This Peacebuilding in Practice paper, developed through a consultative process across Interpeace offices as well as on an extensive literature review, aims to strengthen Interpeace’s capacity to bring its unique contribution to building sustainable peace and advancing gender equality. The practice note is intended to be complemented by the development and application of tools and processes that allow for the effective implementation of the ten identified foundations.

The practice paper is presented in three parts. Part One presents key definitions and how gender inclusive peacebuilding is reflected in Interpeace’s frameworks and working approaches. Part Two presents a literature overview to ensure a common understanding of the importance of gender in peacebuilding. Part Three presents ten foundations that emerged from Interpeace’s internal recommendations which are enriched by the experiences and recommendations of other key peacebuilding actors and thinkers in the field. The practice note provides a basis for future programming and interventions that are progressively more gender inclusive, as well as a guide for learning from and assessing gender inclusive peacebuilding practice.