Seeking an Islamic framework towards peacebuilding and women’s inclusion

The overall purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion of Islam and the protection of women’s fundamental freedoms, gender and inclusion, and the relationship between gender and political transitions; to be of value for the general discussion on Islamic state formation; and more specifically to assist the ongoing process of state formation in Afghanistan. To this end, the paper has three primary objectives: 1) decolonizing and engendering conflict resolution frameworks to develop sustainable and transformative peace; 2) identifying how fundamental freedoms and rights can be negotiated, protected and promoted in Islamic-based societies which experience a significant political transition to develop strategies to ensure an engendered political transition and sustainable peace in countries such as Afghanistan; and finally, 3) drawing best practices to advance inclusive policies where fundamental rights are protected and to ensure women’s meaningful participation in peace processes.