Description
This paper explores the concept of ‘transformative mediation’ as both a theoretical tool and practical approach in peacebuilding practice. Merging with literature on mediation, dialogue and peacebuilding with feminist scholarship on transformative justice, the paper examines how transformative mediation is implemented from a practice perspective and explores its potential to promote a more inclusive peace. The paper calls for a re-focusing of priorities in peace mediation practice to be more inclusive of structural and everyday violence as well as community and everyday concerns. Such a perspective is tied closely with more bottom-up approaches to conflict transformation and conflict prevention that recognises the power and agency of ordinary people, who may have very different perspectives on needs and values than those at the institutional level. The paper maps how transformative mediation is understood and practiced across a variety of contexts.
Findings are drawn from interviews with mediation practitioners that use forms transformative mediation in their practice. This includes representatives from Mediation Beyond Borders, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, and Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies. Findings examine common themes and approaches, such as trauma informed mediation, duty of care, arts practice and issues related to inclusions and exclusions of certain groups.
