Rooted in UNSCR 1325 and its objective for women’s increased participation in, the Women Mediator Networks seek to address the underrepresentation of women in mediation and peacebuilding. Established in 2015, the Nordic Women Mediators functions as a collaborative forum building on five national networks: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The NWM aims to support women’s inclusion in peace process work through advocacy, and on operational level.

The NWM gathers annually to an Annual Meeting, hosted by the coordinating country of that term – a responsibility that changes on rotational basis. In October 2024, the Annual Meeting was held in Reykjavik where representatives of the networks gathered to discuss the recent changes in the security environment in Europe and globally, and the challenges and opportunities for mediation, the Nordic cooperation as well as the NWM.

The 2025 Annual Meeting will take place in Copenhagen.

 
 
 

  • To strengthen women's participation in peace processes at all levels, including by:

    • Amplifying the voices of women mediators and peacemakers in conflict affected areas

    • Advocating for all peace processes to be inclusive;

    • Developing and fostering partnerships with other mediation and peacebuilding networks and organisations; and

    • Creating and supporting joint activities among members and with partners, as appropriate.

    To strengthen Nordic women actively involved in international peace-making efforts, including by:

    • Enabling the sharing of experiences, knowledge and know-how among members, including through networking opportunities;

    • Promoting and supporting members in their functions, as well as drawing on that expertise across networks.

    • Facilitating access and providing networking opportunities with mediating and peacebuilding actors globally.

  • • The NWM is a collaborative forum composed of national networks in each of the five Nordic countries.

    • The NWM meets once a year with some ten women participating from each country. Hosting of meeting rotates between the Nordic countries.

    • A contact group representing participating Nordic ministries serves as a strategic-level coordinating body.

    • A group of operational partners from the five Nordic countries (contact details below) are responsible for the organization and implementation of all network activities whether at the national or Nordic level. The operational partners play a central role in convening and organizing the annual Nordic-level meeting.

    • An advisory group consisting of senior Nordic women mediators and peacebuilders provides input and advice on the overall substantive direction of the NWM.

    • At the national level, each network may have its own profile.

  • DENMARK

    The Danish Refugee Council
    Maria Pade Lange
    maria.pade.lange (at) drc.ngo

    Line Grete Birgitta Brylle
    line.brylle (at) drc.ngo


    FINLAND

    Crisis Management Initiative (CMI)
    Annmarie Kiiskinen
    annmarie.kiiskinen (at) cmi.fi

    ICELAND

    GRÓ-GEST
    Irma Erlingsdóttir
    irma (at) hi.is

    NORWAY

    NOREF
    Ingebjørg Finnbakk (NOREF)
    ingebjorg.finnbakk (at) noref.no

    PRIO GPS
    Stine Bosheim (PRIO)
    stibos (at) prio.org


    SWEDEN

    Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA)
    Birgitta Vega Leyton
    Birgitta.VegaLeyton (at) fba.se

  • The Global Alliance Regional Women Mediator Networks was established in 2019 and consists of five women mediators’ networks. These networks are part of a global movement to enhance women’s meaningful participation and influence in peace processes at all levels.