Since the adoption of UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in 2000, significant progress has been made in recognising feminist approaches to conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
However, the implementation of feminist principles remains vague and accountability is often insufficient. For this reason, the VIDC, together with the Swedish Embassy in Vienna, is organising a panel discussion with representatives from politics, international organisations and civil society on 10 September 2025. The aim is to promote dialogue between the Global North and the Global South, improve accountability in peace processes, and highlight the work of marginalised actors in shaping inclusive and sustainable peace.
Speakers
H.E. Manizha Bakhtari, Ambassador and Permanent Representative Ambassador of Afghanistan in Austria
Julia Prummer, Policy Advisor for the Austrian Foreign Minister, Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs
Dima Hussain, Legal Scholar, European University Institute in Florence and Centre for Religious Studies at the Central European University Vienna
Waruguru Gaitho, Gates Cambridge International Scholar of Law, Centre for Gender Studies at the University of Cambridge
Feminist peacebuilding and international law
Feminist approaches draw attention to previously invisible forms of violence and emphasise the need for conflict prevention. This includes holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice for survivors. A feminist understanding of international law contributes to peace being understood not only as the absence of war, but as a state of justice and sustainable social peace.