Beyond Borders Scotland through Traquair House Charitable Trust

Women have a crucial role in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and sustainable societal development. Despite international frameworks clearly recognising the importance of women’s participation in peace processes, women remain significantly underrepresented in formal decision-making and negotiation settings. At the same time, local women-led organisations face increasing structural barriers, such as short-term project funding, high administrative demands, and a decline in international aid.

These challenges collectively contribute to many women lacking access to platforms where their experiences, knowledge, and solutions can be made visible and influence policy, funding, and public discourse. Without strengthened collaboration, visibility, and shared structures, their work risks becoming isolated and overlooked, despite its importance for sustainable peace and just societies.

Traquair House Charitable Trust and Beyond Borders Scotland aims, through this project, to strengthen and highlight the work of women peacebuilders by developing a sustainable international collaboration framework that enhances their capacity, influence, and long-term impact.

What happens within the project? 

• At least 60–70 women from four regions participate in structured consultations and exchanges of experience.
• Four in-person and four digital cross-regional meetings are held.
• Greater recognition of alumnae as experts and thought leaders in the WPS sector (Women Peace and Security) improved positioning of women peacebuilders in policy advocacy and funding dialogues is evidenced.
• A joint action framework as well as four regional prioritization documents are developed and adopted.
• Increased cooperation and a long-term structure within the network of women peacebuilders.
• Enhanced visibility and recognition of women’s peacebuilding efforts through at least 10–15 stories and 3–4 regional advocacy activities.
• Improved capacity among participants to collaborate, influence, and share knowledge across regional boundaries.
• A stronger, more sustainable global network of women peacebuilders that contributes to inclusive peace processes and sustainable societal development in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Why was the project funded?

The project enhances a more peaceful and sustainable world by strengthening women’s participation in peacebuilding and societal development. Experiences and methods are also shared with Swedish actors, reinforcing Sweden’s global engagement.