From the margins to the centre? A study into the role of women's organisations in Colombia's peace negotiations

Abstract

In recent decades, an increasing call has risen from civil society groups demanding participation in peace negotiations. This call is supported by the non-state sector by means of a prescriptive policy discourse, which assumes that participation of civil society is inherently beneficial for peace negotiations. This assumption is challenged by scholars who argue that too little is known about the interaction between civil society groups and core parties at the negotiation table. In addition, they point at the lack of reliable evidence that supports the claimed positive impact of civil participation in negotiations. This thesis examines the participation and claimed influence of women's peace organisations in the negotiations between the Colombian government and armed actors from 1999 to 2006.