Thought Leadership
Reflections on Peace
A blog from Julie Leftwich. Reflections on today's conflicts, the voices of peacebuilders, and better paths to peace.
Four Years of War Can’t Stop Ukrainians
Last Tuesday marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Recently I met with a…
Colombia: Building a Culture of Peace
“The armed conflict extinguished people’s hope and dreams. This is how we revive them.” – Gloria Amparo…
The Forgotten Crisis in Sudan: What Can We Do?
Recently we heard from Sudanese women’s rights activist Hala Al-Karib, who discussed the current realities on the…
Welcome to Reflections on Peace
Reflections on Peace examines today’s conflicts, shares personal reflections, amplifies the voices of peacebuilders, and seeks better…
Voices for Peace Podcast
In the Voices for Peace Podcast, Julie speaks with activists, students, and experts to share their experiences and insights and discuss better solutions for peace.
Articles
Gender, Law, and Security: The Unseen Foundation of Global Stability
Security and the rule of law (ROL) are closely intertwined. It is commonly understood that laws exist to regulate human relations, both reflecting and establishing norms of behavior. Societies with strong ROL have built-in mechanisms…
What About the Women
What About the Women: The importance of gender perspectives in countering violent extremism
“Violent extremism thrives where human rights have been degraded and gender inequality prevails. It is a highly gendered phenomenon that requires more nuanced and targeted understanding and efforts.”
Gender, Migration, and Security
Migration policies must empower women and men “Sex is defined by biological differences between men and women. Gender refers to the roles, personality traits and behaviors that society ascribes to men and women, as well as…
Gender and the Security Sector
Towards a more secure future. “In recent decades, the nature of war has changed dramatically. Internal conflicts are be- ing waged by opposing armed groups, often divided along ideological or ethnic lines that increasingly target…
Gender, Conflict, and Peace-building
Gender, conflict, and peace-building: how conflict can catalyste positive change for women Although modern-day armed conflict is horrific for women, recent conflict and post conflict periods have provided women with new platforms and opportunities to…
Women of Iraq and Syria Say:
Continuing the Flow of Arms is Not the Way to Stop the Violence “There is no doubt that the group commonly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) must be stopped. The…
Toolkits and Manuals
Women, Peace and Security
Practical Guidance on Using Law to Empower Women in Post-Conflict Systems Best Practices and Recommendations from the Great Lakes Region of Africa
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights:
A Knowledge Product for Zambian Policy Makers The purpose of this knowledge product is to give an overview of economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights, especially as they relate to the Zambian context. Although Zambia…
Speak Up, Speak Out
A Toolkit for Journalists Reporting on Gender and Human Rights Issues The Internews toolkit Speak Up, Speak Out: A Toolkit for Reporting on Human Rights Issues seeks to help journalists and other content creators learn the…
Op-Eds
The abuse of children, no matter where they come from, is unacceptable
In February, The New York Times reported on an explosion in migrant child labor in the U.S. Someone said to me, “I thought that was an issue resolved in the 1930s.” It wasn’t. And the…
We must remember requesting asylum is a legal right
Last week the Biden administration proposed a new rule that would make most people arriving at the southern border ineligible for asylum. It would allow for speedy removal of anyone who hasn’t first applied for…
ICE officer’s indictment highlights challenges migrant women face
The women came to this country for a better life. They put their trust and faith in the U.S. political system. They likely were fleeing gender-based violence or other forms of violence and exploitation and…
Podcast guest Appearances
Democracy that Delivers
Empowering Women in Post-Conflict Situations Gender and security expert Julie Leftwich discusses the opportunities that arise in post-conflict situations to empower women and increase their role in democratic processes.