Indigenous Women and the Politics of Policy Influence

Indigenous women encounter significant barriers in participating effectively within hybrid peace structures, navigating systems shaped by colonial and democratic legacies. This study reflects on collaborative research with the Coordinadora Nacional de Mujeres Indígenas (CONAMI), a Mexican network established in 1997 to amplify the voices of organized Indigenous women and support their engagement in public policy and governance. By examining the peace epistemologies and strategies developed collectively by CONAMI members, the research highlights the creative capacities, resilience, and political strategies that Indigenous women deploy to influence hybrid peace processes. Findings suggest that hybrid peace is shaped through political contestation, where multiple actors, preferences, and security interests converge, and where Indigenous women’s agency plays a crucial role in shaping outcomes. Understanding the mechanisms through which Indigenous women navigate structural constraints provides insights into designing inclusive peace processes and advancing policies that are responsive to Indigenous perspectives. This study underscores the importance of centering Indigenous women’s knowledge and strategies in both scholarly discourse and practical peacebuilding initiatives, illustrating how their engagement transforms hybrid peace from abstract policy frameworks into lived realities for communities.