Roundtable Event: Executive Director Antonia Mulvey discusses legal advocacy and overcoming resistance to women’s inclusion in peacebuilding

Executive Director Antonia Mulvey discusses legal advocacy and overcoming resistance to women’s inclusion in peacebuilding 

13 November 2024

At a recent roundtable hosted by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and titled “Addressing resistance to women’s inclusion and participation”, Executive Director Antonia Mulvey joined esteemed speakers Rachel Gasser, from Berghof Foundation, and Rola El-Masri, from Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom to engage in a thoughtful discussion on the challenges and strategies surrounding women’s inclusion in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The conversation focused on the progress and challenges of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda, exploring how women have navigated resistance in complex conflict environments and the limitations of their mandates. The interactive discussion was attended by WPS Focal Points from Norwegian Embassies and Missions from around the world. 

A key highlight of the discussion was Mulvey’s insight into the role of legal frameworks in advancing gender inclusion. She emphasized that while legal mechanisms are crucial for promoting gender equality, they can also provoke backlash in certain contexts. Mulvey shared examples of how Legal Action Worldwide has successfully leveraged legal advocacy to overcome resistance and hold states accountable for gender-based violence and human rights violations. 

For instance, in South Sudan, LAW supported 35 women survivors of violence in demanding state accountability for the rape and gang rape crimes they endured. Despite being accused of disrupting peace efforts in 2018, LAW continued to push for justice, arguing that the country’s justice system was insufficient and that international mechanisms were necessary. 

In Ethiopia, LAW filed a case against the state, requesting provisional measures to stop extrajudicial killings and allow humanitarian aid access during the conflict. These measures were implemented, leading to a peace deal within two weeks. Similarly, in Somalia, LAW played a pivotal role in drafting the Somali Sexual Offences Bill, passed by the Cabinet in 2018, despite threats against those advocating for gender-based legal reforms. 

In Lebanon, LAW faced direct threats before publishing a report on gender-based crimes, yet LAW moved forward with the publication, giving women a platform to speak out.  

In Myanmar, LAW has been working with the Shanti Mohila, a network of 400 Rohingya women, to ensure accountability for crimes committed against the Rohingya population. LAW’s efforts continue to center survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in international justice processes. 

Despite facing significant opposition, LAW’s resolve to pursue justice and accountability for survivors has only strengthened. Reflecting on the backlash LAW faced, Mulvey stated: “Impunity breeds further violence. People do not forget what happened to them. Survivors of sexual violence often worry about their families, and it is essential that we empower them to speak for themselves. We must bring them to the table and listen to their voices.” 

In conclusion, Mulvey emphasized that justice and accountability are not to be feared. “Hope can build communities together,” she affirmed, leaving the audience with a powerful reminder of the importance of continued efforts in the fight for gender equality and justice in conflict zones.