ALEXANDRIA, Egypt, 14 October 2026 — What if rebuilding a nation after war involves not only restoring infrastructure but also empowering women to support communities during times of conflict? Egypt and Norway are exploring this idea with the launch of a regional initiative aimed at strengthening women’s leadership in peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery.
On Monday, 12 October 2026, women peacebuilders and the regional and international experts gathered in Alexandria for a conference to advance the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. The event was organised by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacemaking and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), and the topics discussed included the role of women in conflict prevention, peace negotiating, and the rebuilding of societies.
Rebuilding Lives Over and Above Rebuilding Structures
The discussions were attended by representatives from the African Union, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), UN Women, and a number of women-led civil society organisations. Mr Erik Husem, Norway’s ambassador to Egypt, and Mr. Karim Ismail, deputy director of the CCCPA, opened the workshop.
One of the key aspects of the discussions was whether women have the necessary level of influence on decision-making that affects the future of their communities. The participants looked into impediments to women’s participation in peace talks, conflict resolution and long-term rebuilding while highlighting the need for effective funding of women-led organisations.
The statement sent was clear: women should go beyond being passive victims of post-war assistance. They must be able to make an important input in the rehabilitation process, be effective in transferring local knowledge, and take part in decision-making.
Unfortunately, they lack enduring financial support and sustainable relationships, which will make it impossible for women-led projects to survive after the situation is no longer in focus.
26 Years Together with a Global Framework
To a greater extent, this campaign relies on the framework put in place decades ago. On October 31, 2000, the UN Security Council voted unanimously for Resolution 1325 that advocated for increased participation of women in such areas as prevention of conflicts, resolution of issues related to peacemaking, and post-conflict reconstruction.
The Alexandria workshop is part of the Rethinking Rebuilding international symposium, taking place at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina from 11 to 13 October 2026. The symposium looks at reconstruction as more than just physical restoration. In fact, the conference will emphasize the necessity of rebuilding trust, identity and relationships in the community where people have experienced trauma and displacement.
This event is also part of the activities marking 90 years of Egypt-Norway diplomatic relations. The discussions in Alexandria should lay the foundation for the sixth Aswan Forum, which is set to take place on 21-22 November 2026.
For Peace to Be Effective, Women Need to Be Part of the Decision-Making Process
The challenge now is to turn the conversations into actions that will last in time. Increasing representation, getting stable financing and enhanced cooperation with the international community will allow women-led organisations to influence reconstruction efforts long after the crisis is over.
Ultimately, reconstructing a country is not just about restoring what war has taken away but also about making sure that women are involved in shaping the future of their countries.
