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

A fresh £400,000 injection o funds will support da programme, dat is delivered by Scotland-based NGO Beeyond Borders in pairtnership wi da University o Edinburgh Laa School. Syne 2017, da fallaeship has equipped mair dan 360 wimmin fae 40 different kintras, offerin dem valuable tools an a platform tae mend disputes an foster dialogue in regions deeply scarred by conflict. Named efter da landmerk UN Security Cooncil Resolution 1325, noo commemoratin its 25t anniversary, da programme features an intensive seiven-day session in Edinburgh dat interweaves short, stimulatin warkshops wi langer, reflective sessions tae inspire baith immediate insichts an deeper contemplation.

It is increasinly recognised dat whan wimen are gien a vyce in peace-biggin, ootcomes tend tae be mair inclusive, equitable, an endurin. By upliftin wimen, Scotland is nae salely advancin a moral imperative but investin in a strategic pathwey tae lastin global stability.

Mark Muller Stuart KC, Foonder an Director o Beeyond Borders Scotland, expressed renewed howp: “We are delichted tae secure fundin for da weel kent Wimmin in Conflict 1325 Fellowship Programme as it embarks on its 10t year. Dis programme is vital in nurturin wimen’s leadership ower peace processes warldwide an reinforcin da message dat empouered wimmin help bigg resilient, peacefu societies.” He added dat da decision tae spotlicht dis initiative on International Wimen’s Day unnerscores true respect for da commitment an hard wark o wimmin peacebiggers.

Professor Jo Shaw, Head o Edinburgh Law School, heiched da critical importance o inclusive approaches: “In da day’s complex global conflict scenarios, we need fair play at aa levels. Da University o Edinburgh embraces da Scottish Government’s dedication tae braidenin pairticipation in peacebiggin. Globally, wimmin are aften disproportionately affected by conflict an are ower frequently sidelined frae decision-makin processes. By supportin da Wimen in Conflict 1325 Fallaeship, Scotland is amplifyin female vyces an demonstratin dat whan wimmin lead, communities can heal an thrive.”

Research consistently reveals dat communities led by empouered wimmen experience langer-lestin peace. Studies by da International Peace Institute an da Wurld Bank shaw dat regions wi heicher gender equality are mair adept at resolvin conflicts peacefully. Yet, wimen continue tae be unnerrepresented in negotiation tables, accoontin for juist 16% o mediators in recent UN-led talks.

Da renewed fundin for da Wimen in Conflict 1325 Fallaeship staunds as a symbol o howp—a beacon in challengin times dat reaffirms da belief dat wimen’s richts an pairticipation are nae ainly foondational for equity but indispensable for biggin environments whaar peace can flourish, even in da harshest o circumstances.