Joyce Banda Demanded Greater Women’s Inclusion in Peace
The former president urged for increased female representation in DRC peace negotiations to ensure long-term stability.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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Former leader Joyce Banda has called for more accountability regarding women's participation in peace efforts for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region. She emphasized that peace agreements are 35 percent more likely to endure for over 15 years when women are meaningfully involved.
Why it matters
Low representation of women in current diplomatic processes hinders the efficacy and longevity of regional conflict resolution. Banda's proposals aim to formalize female influence to prevent the instability that has long affected the region.
Women's representation in Luanda and Nairobi processes currently stands at under 15 percent. Research indicates that peace agreements including women are 35 percent more likely to last at least 15 years.
The players
Joyce Banda
She is the SADC Lead Mediator for Madagascar and a member of the African Women Leaders Network.
The details
Banda proposed the creation of a funded standing roster of female technical experts and mediators from the Great Lakes region to ensure consistent participation. She also advocated for direct consultations with vulnerable populations, including sexual violence survivors and displaced women, to better inform the negotiation process.
Timeline
2004: Adoption of the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration.
2006: Adoption of the Pact on Security for the Great Lakes.
2011: Adoption of the Kampala Declaration on Sexual Violence.
September 21, 2026: Joyce Banda delivered her speech at the UNGA.
Culture Shift
The call for increased women's inclusion in peace processes follows 25 years of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which mandated the protection and participation of women in conflict resolution. This initiative updates the application of the Resolution by demanding specific representation quotas in the Great Lakes region.
The push for inclusive peace processes aims to improve security for women living in conflict zones by integrating their perspectives into policy. This shift could alter how international aid and mediation resources are allocated to support survivors and displaced populations.
The takeaway
Meaningful participation of women in mediation is not just a parity goal but a strategic requirement for durable peace agreements. Implementing dedicated rosters for female experts could significantly improve outcomes for populations affected by regional instability.
Further reading
Learn more about the Women’s Issues being debated on the global stage.
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Should international peace treaties mandate specific representation quotas for women in formal negotiations?
