The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new and unprecedented challenges for women peacebuilders, activists and human rights defenders, as the effects of the global health, economic and political crises sparked by the spread of COVID-19 are compounded with pre-existing gender inequalities. Nonetheless, women and youth peacebuilders continue their work in the face of COVID-19 and despite their contributions, they remain marginalized in the crisis and excluded in the decision-making on the response. In line with its calls to global decision-makers to strengthen their efforts to ensure that inclusive and sustainable peace does not become a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) has developed a Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy and Appeal to guide its work during the pandemic. The Strategy also identifies critical recommendations for global and national stakeholders to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 without sacrificing achievements in conflict resolution, conflict prevention, human rights and peacebuilding and women’s participation in these processes.

GNWP (2020). COVID-19 Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy and Appeal