Women have played an important role in Colombia’s efforts to build peace after more than five decades of armed conflict. The conflict had a particularly serious impact on rural women, as violence and displacement cost them their land, livelihoods and economic security. United Nations (UN) Women reported that rural and Indigenous women were pushed into severe poverty during the conflict. During peace negotiations between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP), women’s organizations pushed for greater participation and demanded recognition of these experiences. Their involvement led to the creation of a Gender Sub-Commission and helped bring women’s rights and gender equality into the 2016 Peace Agreement. Women in peacebuilding in Colombia therefore play a role not only in building peace but also in addressing some of the social and economic effects left by decades of conflict.

Women’s Influence on the Peace Negotiations

Women’s organizations in Colombia helped push for greater representation during the peace negotiations. Their advocacy led to the creation of a Gender Sub-Commission in 2014, tasked with ensuring negotiators included a gender perspective throughout talks between the Colombian government and FARC-EP. Women also participated through consultations and visits to the negotiating table, which allowed victims and women’s rights organizations to share their experiences and proposals. According to the United Nations, women made up approximately half of those involved in national and regional consultations during the peace process. Their participation meant negotiators recognized women not only for how the conflict had affected them but also for the role they could play in building peace in Colombia.

Progress on Gender Commitments

Although Colombia’s Peace Agreement included important commitments on gender equality, putting them into practice has been slower. The Kroc Institute monitors 130 gender-related commitments within the agreement. Its research found that, as of November 2022, 18% had not been initiated, 52% remained at a minimal level of implementation, 18% had reached an intermediate level and only 12% had reached completion. Earlier monitoring also identified limited institutional leadership and inadequate funding as obstacles to progress, particularly for women and LGBTQ+ people in rural areas. These figures show that including gender commitments in the Peace Agreement was an important step, but implementing them remains a challenge for women in peacebuilding in Colombia.

Women Building Peace in Local Communities

Women’s role in Colombia’s peace process extends beyond national negotiations. Across areas affected by armed conflict, women leaders and local organizations have worked to support dialogue, protect communities and encourage the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Women have also organized to address issues affecting their communities, including displacement, insecurity and continuing violence. UN Women has highlighted the work of women and local organizations involved in peacebuilding, including efforts to strengthen women’s participation and represent communities affected by the conflict. This shows that peacebuilding in Colombia is not limited to national negotiations. Women are also working within communities that continue to experience the effects of conflict.

Women’s Role in Reintegration

Women who formerly belonged to the FARC-EP have also become part of Colombia’s transition from armed conflict to peace. More than 30% of former FARC-EP members involved in the reintegration process are women, many of whom have had to adapt to new roles as workers, students, mothers and community leaders. Reintegration can involve challenges including access to employment, education, health services and personal security. Programs in Colombia have worked to support women’s economic independence, political participation and leadership during this transition. Supporting women’s access to livelihoods and economic independence is particularly important in communities where conflict has fueled poverty and stripped away economic opportunities.

Young Women Are Strengthening Peace

Young women are also contributing to peacebuilding in areas of Colombia that continue to experience violence and inequality. In Quibdó, in the department of Chocó, the Empatía Chocó Foundation supports community initiatives focused on women’s rights, violence prevention and youth leadership. Young women involved in these efforts work to strengthen relationships within their communities and create opportunities for younger generations in an area that has endured decades of armed conflict. Their work shows how women in peacebuilding in Colombia are not only involved at the national political level but are also helping to build peace within communities still affected by conflict.

Women Peacebuilders Still Face Security Risks

Despite their contribution to Colombia’s peace process, women activists and community leaders can face serious risks because of their work. Human Rights Watch has documented violence and threats against human rights defenders and other social leaders in Colombia, particularly in areas where armed groups continue to operate. A 2026 United Nations report also found that women, including community and political leaders, continued to face heightened risks from armed violence and gender-based discrimination. These threats can make it more difficult for women to participate safely in community leadership and peacebuilding. Protecting these women matters if they are to continue their work in communities and contribute to peace in Colombia.

Looking Ahead

Nearly a decade after the 2016 Peace Agreement, women continue to play an important role in Colombia’s efforts to build lasting peace. Colombia has made progress in recognizing women’s participation, supporting former combatants and including gender commitments in the Peace Agreement, but challenges remain. A 2026 United Nations report highlighted continuing concerns around women’s participation in decision-making and the implementation of gender provisions. Continued support for women leaders, peacebuilders and local organizations will be important as Colombia works to strengthen peace in communities still affected by conflict. Ensuring that women in peacebuilding in Colombia can participate safely and meaningfully remains an important part of the country’s peace process.

– Aniya Akram

Aniya is based in Bradford, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

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