Funding boost to support women in peacebuilding

The Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship programme, delivered by non-governmental organisation Beyond Borders Scotland with support from peace and conflict experts from the University of Edinburgh Law School, has received additional investment as part of a new programme to support inclusive peacebuilding.

The First Minister of Scotland John Swinney announced the £400,000 funding boost to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025.

Peacebuilding efforts

The Fellowship has already trained more than 360 women peacebuilders from 40 conflict-affected countries across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Latin America since 2017.

It is named after the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.

The new funding will enable Beyond Borders Scotland and Edinburgh Law School to continue to jointly support women peacebuilders and the critical work they do to end and transform violent conflict.

John Swinney, The First Minister of Scotland said: "At a time of heightened global conflict – and when investments in overseas aid are being cut elsewhere – Scotland is proud to support the role of women in international peacebuilding efforts, sharing our values of democracy and devolution to help others build lasting, peaceful societies."

The Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship programme is held three times a year in Edinburgh and the Borders with a focus on conflict resolution, mediation, reconciliation and dialogue methodologies.

The programme is supported by a team of peace and conflict experts at Edinburgh Law School, including PeaceRep’s Senior Research Fellow Laura Wise.

The Fellowship draws on insights and experiences from PeaceRep’s data-driven research into women’s inclusion in peace processes, underpinned by the PA-X Peace Agreements Database.

Professor Jo Shaw, Head of Edinburgh Law School said: "At a time when armed conflicts are becoming more complex, the University of Edinburgh welcomes the Scottish Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive peacebuilding.

"Globally, women are disproportionately affected by conflict and often denied full roles in local, national, and international peacebuilding efforts.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the Women in Conflict Fellows and Scottish peacebuilding community to increase the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding."

Tim Epple, PeaceRep Managing Director at Edinburgh Law School, said: "This new project could not be more timely. Amidst current global fragmentation and the backlash against the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, this funding sends a strong signal. 

"Our colleague Laura Wise has been central in leading research on women’s inclusion in peace processes and in supporting the Fellowship and women peacebuilders from conflict-affected countries.

"We thank the Scottish Government for taking the initiative and continuing their support for this important work."

This story was originally published on the PeaceRep website