Feminist peacebuilding follows approaches that are critical of power structures in order to break up patriarchal, historically evolved, and postcolonial structures – and abolish the associated global injustices in the distribution of resources and power.

Feminist peacebuilding offers a holistic approach to conflict transformation. Integrating feminist principles’ aims to reduce physical violence and structural injustices. The inclusion of marginalised groups such as women, LGBTIQ+ people, indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities in peace processes ensures that their needs and perspectives are taken into account – and they are given the power to act and shape the conflict.

Feminist peacebuilding takes into account that marginalised groups are often the most affected by violence and conflict and that their inclusion is essential for sustainable positive conflict transformation. The focus here is on the intersectional approach which recognises the complex interactions and overlaps between different forms of oppression, identity, and discrimination.

Feminist peacebuilding emphasises civil, non-violent strategies for conflict resolution that address the causes of conflicts and not just their symptoms. It also advocates for a preventative approach in order to defuse conflicts at an early stage before they escalate. It calls for the renunciation of militarised ways of thinking in which military interventions are the central instrument of conflict resolution.

Feminist peacebuilding thus makes a significant contribution to the implementation of the German feminist development and foreign policy.