The Role of the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network

Twenty-five years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda remains a cornerstone of global peace efforts – yet many of its promises are still to be fulfilled. This volume, promoted within the framework of the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network (MWMN) – an initiative launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) and Women in International Security Italy (WIIS Italy) almost a decade ago – offers an updated reflection on the Agenda’s evolution and on the concrete impact of the MWMN, bringing together theory, policy analysis and first-hand experiences from women mediators across the Mediterranean region. Combining a feminist security studies perspective with qualitative research – ranging from surveys and interviews to field insights – the book traces how the network’s local initiatives, mediation efforts and cross-regional collaboration have shaped the implementation of Resolution 1325 in a rapidly evolving geopolitical context. The volume highlights tangible achievements, persistent gaps and innovative strategies to strengthen women’s role in peace processes. It concludes with concrete policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the WPS Agenda. A must-read for scholars, policymakers and practitioners, this book bridges research and practice, offering both a critical appraisal and a forward-looking vision for women’s mediation and peacebuilding across the Mediterranean and beyond.