On 14 October 2026, Alona Horova, Chair of the Board of the NGO “Institute for Peace and Common Ground”, will be among the speakers at the panel discussion “Beyond the Table: Rethinking Women’s Meaningful Participation in Peace Processes” as part of the Geneva Peace Forum 2026.
Across peace processes globally, women remain significantly underrepresented in formal negotiations, despite strong commitments under the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Where participation exists, it is often ad hoc or symbolic rather than meaningful.
At the same time, practice increasingly shows that peace processes extend far beyond formal negotiation tables. Women influence outcomes through a range of pathways, including consultations, advisory roles, dialogue initiatives, and networks that connect local, national, and international levels.
The panel challenges a narrow focus on “participation at the table” and instead explores participation as a multi-level, process-oriented approach.
In a context marked by geopolitical tensions, shrinking civic space, and pushback against the Women, Peace and Security agenda, there is a need to identify practical and politically feasible ways to strengthen women’s influence across peace processes.
The panel discussion is primarily organised by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Date: 14 October 2026.
Time: 12:00–13:30 Kyiv time (11:00–12:30 Geneva time).
Format: Hybrid, with the option to participate online.
We invite you to join the discussion online. Further details and the link to participate are available on the official event page: https://www.genevapeaceforum.ch/en/gpf-2026/schedule/beyond-the-table-rethinking-women-s-meaningful-participation-in-peace-processes
