On the Functionality of Willful Omissions: Countering the Depoliticization of Women Insurgents in the WPS Agenda

Abstract This chapter engages with the troubled and silenced representation of Colombian insurgent women within the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. We argue that their absence is not a lack of attention, a case of forgotten, invisible or ignored women, but constitutes a willful omission that serves to uphold a liberal international order. We unpack the mechanisms of marginalization of insurgent women through the WPS agenda, while making the case for the recognition of politicized insurgent women, as they have the potential to contribute: first, to feminist peace—when conflict-affected women articulate and pursue their vision of societal transformation shaping post-war change. Second, to recalibrate the WPS agenda—when challenging the low representation of women in transitional decision-making spaces, and feeding local women’s reality, interests and priorities to implementation processes. By adopting a longitudinal approach on different generations of ideologically diverse insurgent women in Colombia, we aim to enrich critical Feminist Security Studies from Abya Yala, identifying tangible means to maintain and expand insurgent women’s collective political agency.