If we want to see tangible progress in this area, more needs to be done at th...

If we want to see tangible progress in this area, more needs to be done at the national, regional, and international levels. First, women and women's rights must be consistently included in peace talks. Women are formidable negotiators, mediators and peace-builders. But all too often they are denied access to negotiations at the highest level because of the lack of political will or commitment. A transparent and inclusive peace process involving representatives of every component of society, including women, is the most likely to succeed.