Women continue to pay a heavy price in ongoing conflicts around the world. Impunity for crimes against women in conflict-affected countries is the norm. Equally troubling, when women stand up and make their voices heard in peace negotiations and post-conflict reconciliation they often face security risks, are denied seats at the table, and are excluded from planning that determines their futures.

Hedy Epstein, a Holocaust survivor and vocal critic of Israeli Defense Force (IDF) policies, said that the IDF continues to unjustly inflict violence on Palestinian civilians during a lecture inside the Levin-Ross room Thursday evening.

NATO is changing to adapt to a new century, new challenges and new attitudes. How much can women expect to be part of NATO's vision for the future?

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How much have women been able to make their mark on security? What kind of progress has there been in the last 10 years? We ask some women who have been able to get to the top how they see women's role in security.

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It's been 10 years since the UN called for greater participation of women in conflict resolution, improved respect for women's rights in conflicts and more women's perspectives in peacekeeping. How much difference has this made to women's fortunes?

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Congratulations on the launch of the African Women's Decade. I so wish I could be with all of you.

The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), amongst other things calls for equality between women and men through ensuring women's equal access to, and equal opportunities in, political and public life -- including the right to vote and to stand for election -- as well as education, health and employment, including legislation and temporary special measures, so that women can enjoy all their human ri

Discrimination against women and the perpetuation of crimes such as rape is a major hindrance to peace, security and development in countries emerging from conflict, according to The 2010 State of the World Population report.

The report by the United Nations Population Fund or UNFPA says when women have the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster.