The Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship Programme has convened more than 400 women peacebuilders from 40 plus conflict-affected countries since 2017. 

Run by Beyond Borders Scotland (BBS) in partnership with ELS and funded by the Scottish government, the Fellowship supports women peacebuilders and the critical work they do to end conflict.

The July Fellowship welcomed women peacebuilders, researchers, lawyers, humanitarians, and mediators from 11 countries, all of whom drew on their professional and personal experiences as women working for peace and gender equality. 

During their time at ELS, the fellows took part in thematic workshops on ‘the Women, Peace and Security agenda’, ‘Inclusive Peacemaking in Contemporary Conflict’ and ‘Gender and Mediation’ led by senior research fellow Laura Wise, drawing on findings from the PeaceRep programme, a research consortium led ELS. 

Fellows also met members of the Scottish Peace Platform, of which BBS and ELS are the joint secretariat, for a peer-exchange to share experiences from fellows with members doing related work in Scotland. 

Throughout the course of the week, fellows also discussed and practised mediation and negotiation, transitional justice, the climate-conflict-gender nexus, and the use of arts as a tool for peacebuilding.

Ms Wise said: “As conflict escalates around the globe, such spaces of solidarity and exchange are vital for learning from those most experienced in responding to conflict: women peacebuilders. 

“We aim to create a space where fellows feel comfortable to share their experiences across diverse contexts, and to build relationships with peacebuilding professionals based in Scotland, the rest of the UK, and Ireland. 

“We are grateful to the Scottish government for their continued funding to support the Fellowship programme, and to Edinburgh Law School for welcoming the fellows.”