Date/Time
Date(s) - Wednesday - Sep 23, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Categories
Cross-dimensional approaches – (women’s) experiences from the ground commented and fuelled by academic research
Background and Summary:
In the context of the cross-dimensional approach of the WG, presented by the WG in a side event in Helsinki in July 2025 and at the PC in Vienna in December 2025, we want to broaden our knowledge and promote a better understanding of the connections and experiences on the ground between the 1st dimension (Security and Cooperation, Conflict Prevention from a feminist/women’s perspective) and the 2nd dimension (Feminist Economy and Environment/Climate justice linked to (armed) conflict) and the 3rd
dimension (Human Rights/Women Rights, Gender Action Plan/GAP, YPS). We aim to launch a productive exchange in the continuity of the Helsinki +50 process, with OSCE institutions and delegations.
The online seminars will be followed by a document of findings and recommendations, featuring concrete challenges and opportunities to empower women and provide space for women peace-builders, human rights defenders, and environmental activists on the ground, as well as support for OSCE institutional frameworks. The recommendations, well anchored in everyday life experiences, will be publicly presented at the Parallel Conference of Civil Society in Lugano, and transmitted to OSCE delegations at the Ministerial Conference.
Seminar 2: „What makes me feel safe?”– a feminist focus on conflict prevention and peaceful settlement of conflicts in relation to the politico-military 1st dimension of OSCE
Agenda: 2 pm-4 pm CEST
- Heidi Meinzolt: Introduction of the WG and specific reflections on cross-dimensional approaches towards the OSCE –on related security sectors, dealing with the past, illiberal narratives, and peace-building (5 min)
- Input from Yara Harake, followed by questions from the audience (15 min):
When do conflicts begin and end, and above all, who has the power to define it? What are the narratives dominating war and peace policies, how to interpret early warning and understand structural violence and search for protection? What are the conditions for peacebuilding on the ground, including processes of erosion? - Input from Nicola Popovic, followed by questions from the audience (15 min): Building bridges between the security sector and civil society- entry points for more human security, sustainable peace, and equality
- Annemarie Sancar: filtering out commonalities in the approaches relevant for the OSCE and critical points for the discussion (5-10 min)
- Inputs from WG members on their specific experiences from the ground (5 min each): Focus on local and regional preventive measures, security and specific safety needs for women, linked to peace-building, care work, human trafficking, dealing with the past, transitional justice mechanisms, safe spaces and risks, perspectives on adequate strategies, forms of resistance: Kosovo / Serbia / Ukraine / Armenia / Georgia /Kyrgyzstan / Cyprus / Italy / Germany / Switzerland
- Comment: Marina Barreiro-Marino – OSCE 1st dimension- Conflict Prevention Centre (5-10 min)
- 20 min additional questions and comments from the public
- Final remarks for follow up Heidi Meinzolt
Experts:
- Yara Harake / Lebanon-Spain: academic background in Peace, Conflict and Development Studies, worked in civic rights,human rights, civic space, campaigning, and advocacy, particularly with grassroots movements and civil society organizations across different regions
- Nicola Popovic /Germany: founder and director of Gender Associations, a value-driven consultancy firm, working on gender equality and international peace support operations, developing and leading projects for governments, civil society and international organizations, as well as creating training and evaluation programs.
Coordination and Registration
Heidi Meinzolt / WILPF and Annemarie Sancar / Board of the Swiss Helsinki Committee: meinzolt@wilpf.de, annemarie.sancar@bluewin.ch
Join via ZOOM
Meeting ID: 841 6545 9988
Passcode: 356043
