The reconstruction phase the recovery and rebuilding period for a country devastated by violent conflict requires not only the inclusion but the active involvement of women at all stages. Unfortunately, women rarely receive the necessary support or inclusion in leadership positions as efforts are made to establish a secure and functional state. The environment of a post-conflict society is extremely sensitive, with the most basic aspects of the country's infrastructure ruined, often rendering access to food, water, and roads difficult if not impossible. Refugee and internally displaced populations comprised predominately of women return to their home countries. Governments must be molded back together with the election and appointment of leaders willing to address the numerous needs of a crippled state and its peoples, including the concerns of women who form the backbone of post-conflict societies. Legal mechanisms such as international criminal tribunals, truth and reconciliation commissions, local court systems, and other community-based justice instruments address issues of accountability, impunity and violations of human rights. While peace agreements are beginning to contain gender terms that highlight the economic and security needs of women, gender provisions are rarely backed by sufficient resources and will.