Peace through justice: Lecture criticizes gender inequality

Peace through justice: Lecture criticizes gender inequality

On June 11, 2025, a lecture by Simone Wisotzki will take place as part of the Studium Generale at the University of Lübeck. Under the title “Why peace and justice must be discussed from a gender perspective,” the lecture addresses the current conditions and structures of peace. The lecture begins at 7:15 p.m. in the lecture hall of the IMGWF/ZKFL, Königstraße 42, Lübeck. Access is free and registration is not required.

The event is part of a series of lectures that deal with the complex aspects of peace. Organized by professors Christina Schües, Cornelius Borck, Christoph Rehmann-Sutter and Dr. Birgit Stammberger, the program aims to examine the theoretical and practical perspectives on peace. Other dates in the Studium Generale include lectures on topics such as “Peace versus security?” and “Shaping peace – but how?”.

The role of women in peace processes

Wisotzki's lecture also reflects on the broader topic of feminist peace politics, which advocates for justice and equality for all people, regardless of origin, gender or social status. The feminist feelers extend across various dimensions to break down the structural barriers to achieving peace and promote nonviolence. The initiative is particularly relevant because, historically, women are often only perceived as victims of conflict, as Barbara Lochbihler from the International Women's League for Peace and Freedom notes. This organization, which has consultative status at the United Nations, has been committed to the inclusion of women in peace processes for decades.

Lochbihler highlights the progress made through UN Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security”. This resolution calls for greater inclusion of women in decision-making processes and aims to strengthen the influence of the gender perspective in peacekeeping. The fight against violence against women in war and post-war societies has gained urgency since the 1990s, particularly in light of human rights violations in conflict hotspots such as Syria and Yemen.

Current willingness to change

Despite this progress, the representation of women in negotiations and peace talks remains low, calling into question the effectiveness of international efforts. However, the European Union has taken measures to support the implementation of Resolution 1325 and to strengthen the role of women in peace processes. Resolutions calling for national action plans to implement the resolution were passed in 2006 and 2009.

The issue of gender equality is not only central to the peace movement, but also a key to overcoming global injustices. Feminist peace politics views peace not only as the absence of violence, but as a positive state that includes social justice. These approaches are also relevant for programs such as the Agenda Platform 2030, which is committed to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Overall, the upcoming event at the University of Lübeck represents an important opportunity to raise awareness of the complex connections between gender, peace and justice in an ever-changing world. At a time when global tensions are increasing, women's voices in peace and conflict research become even more valuable.

For further information on the various aspects of feminist peace politics and the role of women in peace processes, the following sources can be consulted: University of Lübeck, Science and Peace, and Frieda.