In a fractured world, women peacebuilders are essential
An Op-Ed by Rachel Warden, printed in The Hill Times’ March 4, 2026 issue
In celebrating International Women’s Day, it’s impossible to ignore the shadow cast by rising authoritarianism, armed conflict and climate instability, a shadow that women feel acutely.
Governments, including our own, persist in equating “security” to militarization.
By doing this, and measuring safety by stockpiles of weapons and military personnel only, we not only put women, communities and the entire planet in greater danger, but we undermine the day-to-day work of local women peacebuilders who are laying the groundwork for peaceful and sustainable communities.
Now more than ever Canada must fully recognize their work and treat it as a priority in building security.
Women peacebuilders support communities impacted by conflict and ecological disasters. They mediate disputes and build relationships that make peace possible. They are also on the frontlines of protecting human rights, and they train others to do so too. They are vital to the development of sustainable local economies and ecologies.
Canada knows this. It has invested in this work through the Feminist International Assistance Policy and a commitment to women, peace and security because it knows that peace is more durable when women participate meaningfully in its agreements.
Canada was a member of the Security Council when the UNSC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security was adopted in 2000. Today, Canada is into its third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. It even had a related ambassador, whose term ended last.
Canada has also made important commitments and investments, but this work is being sidelined. It cannot be sustained on diminishing funds and short-term, unpredictable funding cycles. Women peacebuilders require long term, flexible funding to respond to shocks, violence, displacement and scarcity as they happen. They require diplomatic recognition and support, especially now when they face heightened threats for caring for and safeguarding their communities.
While the world is talking about building security, women are doing it.
Multi-year, flexible support allows women-led organizations to stay present when communities need them most — to keep mediating, documenting abuses, delivering protection and building trust when the news cycle has moved on.
Canada has a responsibility to use its diplomatic influence to defend civic space and to push for meaningful participation for women peacebuilders as essential architects in peace processes.
KAIROS’ global partners in the Women Peacebuilders: Climate, Conflict, Gender project — funded by Global Affairs Canada — show what this security work looks like on the ground.
In Malakal, South Sudan, the South Sudan Council of Churches’ Women’s Link has launched a Peace Caravan, bringing together women and youth with faith and traditional leaders and government officials to address land disputes, tribalism and trauma while promoting nonviolence and reconciliation.
In Colombia, the Organización Femenina Popular is working on a campaign to restore and strengthen defence of women’s human rights, which includes reporting violence while protecting women’s leadership and building alliances.
In Palestine’s West Bank, Wi’am supports “everyday resistance” through economic empowerment so women can heal from trauma and sustain leadership amid occupation and settler violence.
And, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Héritiers de la Justice is adapting strategies with community groups and local NGOs to work more safely amid conflict and climate-driven disasters.
These are not symbolic projects. They are concrete efforts that protect lives, engage key actors and address root causes and drivers of growing conflict, climate crises and gender inequalities – and they align with Canada’s stated commitments and interests.
When women peacebuilders have resources and protection, communities are safer and prospects for durable peace improve. When they are silenced, defunded or forced underground, violence finds room to grow.
At a time when it has become even more dangerous to be a woman, this International Women’s Day is a reminder that Canada must recognize that real security is built from the ground up – with women leading the way.
By Rachel Warden
Partnerships Manager, KAIROS Canada
This Op-Ed appeared in the March 4, 2026 issue of The Hill Times.
