We particularly wish to highlight the importance of replacing the image of wo...

We particularly wish to highlight the importance of replacing the image of women in conflict situations as humiliated, marginalized victims — with an image of active partners in the process of conflict prevention, mediation and resolution.

It must be recognized that there has been growing awareness of the many forms of violence against women in conflict situations and of the threats that such violence poses to their security, their health and their ability to actively participate in peace processes. It is important to give women, who are the first victims of violence in all its manifestations, a primary role in peacekeeping and peace building, and it is even more important and urgent to do so in the process of conflict prevention.