What images do the words "peace processes" evoke in your mind? Do you imagine years of negotiations culminating in a ceremony where the parties to the conflict sign an agreement, followed by a photo of the handshake that goes around the world? We questioned and deconstructed this common perception and took an in-depth look at peace processes focusing on the question: "How do women influence peace processes?’"

More than 2,700 billion US Dollars. That is the global military expenditure in 2024. It marks the steepest rise in such spending since 1988. This stark figure underscores a world increasingly reliant on military solutions to achieve security. In sharp contrast: PeaceWomen Across the Globe firmly stands for non-violent conflict transformation. We believe that lasting security can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and not through weapons or military deterrence.

This issue of our newsletter focuses on women peace activists: their insights, experiences and learnings in their daily work for peace. Whether in Sudan, Nepal, Colombia, the Philippines or Switzerland, the articles in this newsletter clearly demonstrate the importance of feminist peace work and its networks for sustainable peace.

Civil society plays a significant role in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on "Women, Peace and Security", not, however, to the same extent everywhere. On the meeting of the "WPS Focal Points" network in South Africa.