WSP Occasional Paper No.
Women also play a key role in preserving order and normalcy in the midst of chaos and destruction.
In times of conflict, when men engage in war and are killed, disappear or take refuge outside their country 's borders, it is women who are left with the burden of ensuring family livelihood. It is therefore not surprising that women are also a driving force for peace. They are often among the first to call for an end to conflict and to strive for order and rebuilding. In post-war situations, whether in groups or individually, formally or informally, women probably contribute more than government authorities or international aid to reconciliation, reviving local economies and rebuilding social networks. However, despite their active role in promoting peace, women tend to fade into the background when official peace negotiations begin and the consolidation of peace and rebuilding of the economy becomes a formal exercise.