Colombia
Colombia remains entrenched in violence. Eighty percent of the approximately 60,000 deaths since 1985 have been civilian casualties. While women represent more than 50 percent of the estimated 2.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), they are also involved as armed combatants and supporters of various groups. Women's engagement in peacemaking increased in the early 1990s and has evolved into a complex network of national and local organizations. Inclusive Security’s Work in Colombia
At the invitation of Mayor Sergio Fajardo, The Initiative for Inclusive Security visited Medellin from December 10-16, 2007, for a series of meetings and activities to promote women’s political leadership. The Initiative co-organized a training workshop with the First Woman’s office, bringing together 47 women from the First Woman’s networks as well as other women leaders. The goal of the workshop, entitled “Beneath the Makeup: Women and Political Power” was to encourage and prepare women to leverage their leadership in the private and public spheres into elected positions.
The December training in Medellin marked Inclusive Security’s fifth consultation in Colombia. The previous four trainings have taken place in Bogotá. The first consultation, held in August 2005, focused on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, under the title “Inclusive Security, Sustainable Peace: Tools for Advocacy and Action.” In December of that year, Inclusive Security returned for a second consultation. This visit consisted of various high-level advocacy meetings along with an organized visit to local women’s organizations outside of Bogotá with First Lady Lina de Uribe. In November 2006, Inclusive Security conducted a workshop for members and staff of the National Commission for Reparations and Reconciliation, and conducted a series of high-level meetings. The May 2007 consultation yielded a two-day workshop with prosecutors from the Justice and Peace Unit of the Attorney General’s Office.
Inclusive Security Consultations and Trainings
Click here to learn about the Initiative for Inclusive Security's Colombia consultations held in December 2007, May 2007 and November 2006.
Click here to learn about "Women and Power," an international forum held in Colombia May 24 and May 25, 2007.
Inclusive Security Publications
In the Midst of War: Women's Contributions to Peace in Colombia
Preparing for Peace: The Critical Role of Women in Colombia
Inclusive Security Recommendations
Click here for the recommendations from the 2008 Colloquium in English.
Click here for the recommendations from the May 2007 Colombia Consultation in Spanish.
Click here for the recommendations from the 2007 Colloquium in either English or Spanish.
Click here for recommendations from the November 2006 workshop in either English or Spanish.
Directory of Women Peace Experts
Use our directory to find women peace experts from Colombia.
Press Releases & Media Coverage
Leaders from Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti, Israel, Liberia and Palestine to Convene in Cambridge, Mass. and Washington, D.C.
December 12, 2007
Colombian Peace Builder Calls for Protests on Hostages
July 5, 2007
Colombia Hosts "Women and Power" Conference
May 22, 2007
Speech to the United Nations Security Council by Colombia Representative Claudia Blum, on Women, Peace, and Security
Resources
Click here for Colombia-specific resources.
Conflict Background
BBC Country Profile