More than 100 years have passed since the birth of our League in 1915, and still the world is haunted by the spectre of war. We see patriarchy, militarism, and neoliberalism as three inter-related causes that push us all towards more conflict.

It does not have to be this way. The antidote is feminism.

At its core, feminism includes the beliefs that women matter, that equality matters, and that gender is a construct: the product of unequal power structures. When those structures have been changed and patriarchy ended, then we can have real equality and the possibility of sustainable peace: a feminist peace.

Our methods of work include analysis, awareness-raising, advocacy, activism, and building alliances. We build coalitions and partnerships, share knowledge, and convene women from all around the world. We create bridges and spaces for discussion so that women can play their rightful role in decision-making and help shape the responses that affect their lives and communities.

We also support the work of the wider WILPF community through training and resource-sharing. Where necessary, we organise campaigns and nonviolent actions to promote the cause of peace.

Feminist perspectives are excluded too often from important policy discussions. Clearly articulated, these perspectives offer vital insights into the issues that shape our lives. They must be given more visibility and attention.

In particular, WILPF identifies and develops feminist perspectives to challenge the inter-related issues of patriarchy, militarism, neoliberalism and their consequences, which we view as the key long-term causes of conflict. While patriarchy and neoliberalism lead to exclusion and inequality, important drivers of war, militarism and the arms trade are the enablers. The more weapons we have, the more likely we are to use them.

WILPF uses its core strengths – feminist analysis and advocacy promoted by a mobilised feminist community – to tackle the issues of patriarchy, militarism, and neoliberalism. By highlighting issues and shifting perceptions, we change policies and behaviours.