Impressions from Day 2 of the Gender Equality Conference in Lucerne

Day 2 turned attention to the digital sphere and to contexts of conflict and post-conflict governance. The morning sessions highlighted how online gender-based violence is systematically used to silence women and reshape public discourse, posing a direct threat to democratic participation. Participants underscored the need for accountability, regulation, and feminist digital education to protect safety and dignity both online and offline.

The conversation then focused on women’s roles in peacebuilding. Experiences from different regions demonstrated how inclusive diplomacy and gender justice strengthen negotiation processes and rebuild trust in divided societies. Women’s civic networks are already mediating, negotiating, and sustaining community resilience — showing that sustainable peace must be grounded in equality and inclusion.

In the afternoon, the Progressive Alliance delegation joined the Congress of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland, reaffirming that feminist leadership is integral to progressive politics, not adjacent to it. The day concluded with a renewed commitment to shared action across borders, movements, and institutions.