How women's participation in conflict prevention and resolution advances U.S. interests / Jamille Bigio, Rachel Vogelstein.

"October 2016."

"This Discussion Paper was published under the auspices of the Women and Foreign Policy program in conjunction with the Center for Preventative Action."

Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction -- The case for women's participation in security -- Policy considerations for the United States -- Summary of policy recommendations for the United States -- Conclusion.

"A growing body of research suggests that standard peace and security processes routinely overlook a critical strategy that could reduce conflict and advance stability: the inclusion of women. Evidence indicates that women's participation in conflict prevention and resolution advances security interests. One study found that substantial inclusion of women and civil society groups in a peace negotiation makes the resulting agreement 64 percent less likely to fail and, according to another study, 35 percent more likely to last at least fifteen years. Several analyses suggest also that higher levels of gender equality are associated with a lower propensity for conflict, both between and within states ... Given the rising number of security threats and growing evidence that women's participation in peace and security processes improves stability, women's inclusion merits a higher place on the U.S. foreign policy agenda. While the U.S. government has advanced a comprehensive framework to promote the role of women in security under successive Republican and Democratic administrations, more action is needed to realize its promise. The next U.S. administration should require women's representation and meaningful participation in conflict resolution and post-conflict processes, increase investment in efforts that promote women's inclusion, reform U.S. diplomatic and security practices to incorporate the experiences of women in conflict-affected countries, improve staffing and coordination to deliver on government commitments, strengthen training on incorporating women in security efforts, and promote accountability. These steps will help the United States respond effectively to security threats around the world, improve the sustainability of peace agreements, and advance U.S. interests"--Introduction.