Why Gender and Sexual Minority Inclusion in Peacebuilding Matters

Authored by: Kathleen Kuehnast

Categories: Conflict Prevention, Human Rights, Peace Support Operations
Sub-Categories: Democratization and Political Participation, Peacemaking
Region: No Region
Year: 2021
Citation: Kuehnast, Kathleen. "Why Gender and Sexual Minority Inclusion in Peacebuilding Matters." United States Institute of Peace. June 2021.

Executive Summary

A society cannot be considered peaceful when certain groups within it experience targeted and ongoing forms of violence and discrimination. Despite this recognized importance of inclusivity, gender and sexual minorities (GSM) remain largely invisible in peacebuilding. Even in the international Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, which has become a significant entry point for addressing gender dynamics in peacebuilding, GSM rights, protection and participation are also inadequately addressed. The absence of established norms for and approaches to GSM inclusion means that it is incumbent on peacebuilders to think more intentionally about why and how GSM can be included.