Power-Sharing Pacts and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda

This book offers a comparative lens on the contested relationship between ethnopolitical power-sharing pacts and the women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda, highlighting the gender silences of existing power-sharing arrangements, the impact of gender activism and advocacy on the negotiation and implementation of power-sharing pacts, and the opportunities for linkages between power-sharing and the WPS agenda.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book provides a comprehensive and comparative analysis of the complex relationship between two prominent conflict resolution norms: ethnopolitical power-sharing pacts and the women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda. These norms have gained significant traction over the past two decades, both at the national and international levels, with governments and organizations championing them as key tools for promoting peace and stability in conflict-ridden societies. However, there has been ongoing debate and criticism regarding their compatibility and effectiveness.

Power-sharing scholars, often supported by national governments and international organizations, view power-sharing and feminist scholars and practitioners as opposing norms. Critics argue that power-sharing scholars underestimate the importance of gender as a political identity that can motivate individuals, particularly in contexts of ethnonationalism. From a feminist perspective, this thinking perpetuates the exclusion of women and other marginalized communities from key sites of political power, serving the interests of ethnicized elites.

This edited volume takes a different approach, recognizing the gender gaps that still exist in power-sharing theory and practice while also emphasizing the potential for constructive engagements between ethnopolitical power-sharing and gender inclusion. Three main themes are explored in depth:

The "gender silences of existing power-sharing arrangements": This theme examines the ways in which power-sharing arrangements overlook or marginalize gender issues, leading to the exclusion of women and other marginalized communities from decision-making processes. It highlights the need for more inclusive and gender-sensitive power-sharing arrangements that address the specific needs and concerns of women and other marginalized groups.

The impact of gender activism and advocacy on the negotiation and implementation of power-sharing pacts in divided societies: This theme explores the role of gender activism and advocacy in shaping power-sharing agreements and their impact on women's participation and representation in political institutions. It examines the strategies employed by women's organizations, feminist scholars, and activists to promote gender equality and women's rights within power-sharing contexts and the challenges they face in achieving their goals.

The opportunities for linkages between power-sharing and the women, peace, and security agenda: This theme examines the potential for synergy and collaboration between power-sharing and the WPS agenda, recognizing the interconnectedness of gender, peace, and security. It explores the ways in which power-sharing agreements can contribute to the promotion of women's rights, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution, and the challenges and opportunities for integrating gender considerations into power-sharing processes.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal "Nationalism and Ethnic Politics." The editors have brought together a diverse range of scholars and practitioners from various fields, including political science, sociology, anthropology, and gender studies, to contribute their expertise and perspectives to this important topic.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on the relationship between ethnopolitical power-sharing and gender inclusion. By providing a comprehensive analysis of these two norms and their interactions, it sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for promoting gender equality and women's rights in conflict-ridden societies. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, activists, and scholars interested in understanding the dynamics of power, gender, and peacebuilding in a globalized world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032148793