As the nation merked International Weemen’s Day, the Scottish Government annoonced renewed fundin for the Weemen in Conflict 1325 Fellowship programme—a key initiative supportin lassie peace-biggers aroond the warld.

A fresh £400,000 injection o funds will support the programme, that is delivered by Scotland-based NGO Ayont Borders in pairtnership wi the University o Edinburgh Law Schuil. Syne 2017, the fallaeship haes equipped mair than 360 weemen fae 40 different kintras, offerin thaim valuable tools an a platform tae mend disputes an foster dialogue in regions deeply scarred by conflict. Named efter the landmerk UN Security Cooncil Resolution 1325, noo commemoratin its 25th anniversary, the programme features an intensive seiven-day session in Edinburgh that interweaves short, stimulatin warkshoaps wi langer, reflective sessions tae inspire baith immediate insichts an deeper contemplation.

It is increasingly recognised that whan weemen are gien a vyce in peace-biggin, ootcomes tend tae be mair inclusive, equitable, an endurin. By upliftin weemen, Scotland is no salely advancin a moral imperative but investin in a strategic pathwey tae lastin global stability an aw.

Mark Muller Stuart KC, Foonder an Director o Ayont Borders Scotland, expressed renewed howp: “We are delichted tae secure fundin for the weel kent Weemen in Conflict 1325 Fallaeship Programme as it embarks on its 10t year. This programme is vital in nurturin weemen’s leadership ower peace processes warldwide an reinforcin the message that empouered weemen help bigg resilient, peacefu societies.” He added that the decision tae spotlicht this initiative on International Weemen’s Day unnerscores true respect for the commitment an hard wirk o weemen peace-biggers.

Professor Jo Shaw, Heid o Edinburgh Law Schuil, pynted oot the critical importance o inclusive approaches: “In this complex global conflict scenarios, we need fair play at aw levels. The University o Edinburgh embraces the Scottish Government’s dedication in braidenin pairticipation in peace-biggin. Globally, weemen are aften disproportionately affected by conflict an are ower frequently sidelined fae decision-makkin processes. By supportin the Weemen in Conflict 1325 Fellowship, Scotland is amplifeein female vyces an demonstratin that whan weemen lead, communities can heal an thrive.”

Research consistently reveals that communities led by empouered weemen experience langer-lastin peace. Studies by the International Peace Institute an the World Bank shaw that regions wi heicher gender equality are mair adept at resolvin conflicts peacefully. Yet, weemen continue tae be unnerrepresented at negotiation tables, accoontin for jist 16% o mediators in recent UN-led talks.

The renewed fundin for the Weemen in Conflict 1325 Fellowship staunds as a symbol o howp—a beacon in challengin times that reaffirms the belief that weemen’s richts an pairticipation are no anely foondational for equity but indispensable for biggin environments whaur peace can flourish, even in the harshest o circumstances.