OSCE Secretary General launches the first OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme

OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid launched the first OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme today. Participants from all over the OSCE region and beyond, including Ukraine and Afghanistan – high-level women mentors and women leaders selected as mentees – participated in the event.

In her opening remarks, the Secretary General stressed that supporting women’s leadership in peace and mediation, peacebuilding and conflict resolution remains one of her key priorities.

“Despite being on the frontlines, addressing the consequences of conflict and helping to build peace, women are too often excluded from or marginalized in peace discussions. I launched the OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme to support women’s agency in peace processes at all levels. Their contributions are essential and need to be fully recognized.”

“Particularly in times of deep crisis, we need to do our utmost to ensure that women are at the decision-making table. Conflicts have differential impacts on men and women. Given that women make up half the population, bringing their experience and unique perspectives to the table is crucial for building sustainable peace. The Leadership Programme is a concrete and much needed initiative to implement the OSCE’s commitment to gender equality, by increasing the visibility of experienced women mediators and peacebuilders and empowering the next generations of women.”

The OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme is the flagship activity of the OSCE Networking Platform for Women Leaders, including peacebuilders and mediators. The Platform was launched by the Secretary General in December 2021. It aims at increasing networking opportunities for women mediators and peacebuilders and providing a safe space for them to learn, share best practices, and build connections. 

This innovative one-year Leadership Programme will run from October 2022 to October 2023. It will empower the women peacebuilders through capacity building activities, networking opportunities, and peer-to-peer exchanges and mentoring.

The Programme is a part of the multi-year project WIN for Women and Men on strengthening comprehensive security through innovating and networking for gender equality.