Putting women at the center of peace-building efforts is a crucial step in ending violence against women in conflict.

Today, as the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we salute the female activists in Colombia who campaign tirelessly to ensure women’s voices are heard in the country’s ongoing reconciliation process.

“It’s about finally adding a woman’s face to the negotiations and making visible the experiences of the women who’ve lived through a very long armed conflict.”
– María Adelaida Palacio, Corporación Sisma Mujer

As part of the LEAP4Peace initiative, our office in Colombia has produced this moving film documenting the struggle for women’s inclusion in the 2016 Peace Agreement. Reconciliation is a long and difficult process, and we can only hope to achieve long-lasting peace and security with the participation of everyone.