Edendale Valley in South Africa has the same name. Cambodia is called the Land of Widows. Most of the women were left to fend for themselves with little, if any, support. But what is absolutely clear in these situations, and in all conflict situations, is the disproportionate way in which women are affected and displaced by conflict, and the glaring inadequacy of humanitarian assistance to meet their special needs. In conflict situations, it is worse.
Women often assume activist roles while holding together their families and communities.
But more political and financial support is needed for these nascent initiatives to reach their full potential and have an impact on peace efforts nationally and regionally. Up until a month ago, the situation of Burundian girls and women had been completely ignored by the senior international officials negotiating peace in their country. This lead to the first All Party Burundi Women's Peace Conference. In Arusha, assembled for the first time ever, more than 50 Burundian women met with the facilitator of the peace talks, former President Nelson Mandela, and presented their proposals to the draft peace accord. Twenty-three of these recommendations have been included in the final peace accord.