Women’s Representation in Peace Processes

Baroness Kennedy of Shaws Excerpts

Tuesday 30th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

If only it was just Sudan—but it is not. The noble Lord asked about Sudan specifically. We have instigated and funded a fact-finding mission so that testimonies can be gathered and the relevant data can be held, so that accountability can happen. He is absolutely right about the horrific nature of these crimes. The grotesque way in which rape is committed and the mutilation of women that takes place as part of this horrifies us all, and we must use every mechanism we can to prevent it.

[Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws (Lab)]

The Minister has given us a list of places where terrible conflicts have taken place. I noticed that Gaza was not included. A rather nonsensical peace board has been created. It would be interesting to hear how many women are involved in that, never mind the absence of Palestinians. What do the Government make of it?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

For a peace process to be successful, it must be inclusive. That includes Palestinian representation, and it should include women, because in just about every example of any kind of agreement withstanding the tests it invariably encounters, it is the inclusive nature of the settlement that gives it the strength to survive.