The objective of this report is to demonstrate how and why gender should be mainstreamed into the Cyprus peace process. To date it has largely been exclusive of women. The report draws on academic literature and examples of other peace processes to show that women's participation can significantly increase the likelihood of a settlement due to their ability and willingness to overcome intractability and address the underlying causes of conflict. The report also identifies the barriers to and opportunities for mainstreaming gender in Cyprus.
Recommendations for the Special Advisor to the Secretary-General on Cyprus suggest how Cypriot women can be given opportunities to have their opinions heard, how women's civil society organisations can be supported to effectively advocate for an effective gender-sensitive peace process and how the peace process can adopt a gender perspective on the conflict.
This report shows that gender mainstreaming in the Cyprus peace process is not only the moral thing to do, it is also a practical solution. If Cyprus is ever going to achieve a sustainable and inclusive peace, women need to be involved at every step of the process.
This report was written as partial fulfillment of the 2011 Arts Internship Scheme at the University of Adelaide.
