In designing peacebuilding strategies, we need to be more sensitive and take ...

In designing peacebuilding strategies, we need to be more sensitive and take into consideration the knowledge and insights of local women at the grass- roots level. It is also important to gather information about the incidence of sexual violence, insecurity and human rights violations as perceived by women, and for women to be represented at all levels. Local women's networks and grass-roots organizations therefore need to be consulted in the process of designing our gender- responsible policies and programmes. We also need to draw on traditional and indigenous methods of conflict resolution used by local women's groups and avail ourselves of the wisdom of elder women.