Women and Post-Conflict Political Stabilization: The Case of Elections

Abstract

This paper discusses women’s involvement in post-conflict political transitions. The paper focuses specifically on post-conflict elections and the various strategies used by international and local actors to mainstream women. After discussing the importance of democratic elections in post-conflict settings, including the use of quota systems to ensure women’s participation, the paper analyzes two international frameworks—the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and the 7-Point Action Plan—and their strategies for empowering women in post-conflict settings. The paper then makes a number of recommendations that can ensure the efficacy of these strategies and interventions in future post-conflict settings.