Securing Their Roles: Women in Constitution-Making

As actors from Syria, Libya, and other countries marked by violence are taking steps towards building new constitutions, USIP and Inclusive Security are convening a panel to draw out lessons for policymakers by discussing women’s roles in constitution-making, gender equality in constitutional provisions - including in relation to constitutions developed with an Islamic identity - and their implications for long-term, inclusive peace and security.

While there have been slow increases in the number of women involved in constitution-making processes since the end of the Cold War, women still must overcome discrimination and perceived illegitimacy once they have a seat at the negotiating table. Drawing on in-depth case studies, research, and personal experiences, panelists will offer insights on how early action and alliance building have proven useful strategies for overcoming such obstacles, and recommendations for supporting and empowering women in constitution building in the future.

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Speakers:

Carla Koppell, moderator

Vice President, Applied Conflict Transformation, U.S Institute of Peace

Jason Gluck

Policy Specialist, Political Dialogues and Constitutional Processes, United Nations Development Programme

Palwasha Kakar

Senior Program Officer, Religion and Inclusive Societies, U.S Institute of Peace

Marie O’Reilly

Director of Research & Analysis, Inclusive Security