Researchers from the Political Settlement Research Project (PSRP) developed an online tool that charts the progress of peace agreements since the end of the Cold War.

The database – called ‘PA-X, a Peace Agreement Access Tool’ – records more than 140 peace processes since 1990, which have produced in excess of 1,500 agreements aiming to resolve conflicts. The agreements relate to conflicts that include Bosnia, Colombia, Northern Ireland, Yemen, Syria, and Sudan.

Analysis of the more than 1,500 peace settlements signed between 1990 and 2015 found that only one fifth made any reference to women, girls, or gender. By 2015, however, nearly half of peace processes made some provisions for women.

According to the study, the United Nations’ call for a gender perspective in peace agreements has made an impact. Before the resolution passed in October 2000, only 12 per cent of agreements signed by the UN contained reference to women, compared with 42 per cent since.

Particular kinds of peace processes are more likely to include women. For example, power sharing agreements are seven times more likely to include a reference to gender quotas.

Researchers found that only nine agreements referred to sexual orientation. Six of these protected against discrimination, while three prohibited same-sex marriage.

Professor Christine Bell, PSRP director and report author, said: “By tracking the growth – and assessing the significance – of including women in peace processes, this database can encourage those involved in resolving conflict to include a gender perspective in future agreements. By doing so, they could help improve the lives of women and girls in post-conflict societies, to the benefit of all.”