More Than Victims: The Role of Women in Conflict Prevention

On September 12, 2002, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Women Waging Peace co-sponsored a conference entitled "More than Victims: The Role of Women in Conflict Prevention." The aim of the meeting was to move beyond the stereotypical images of women as victims in conflict and to explore their complex experiences as fighters, peacebuilders, survivors and protectors. This report provides a summary of the panel presentations and rich discussions that followed. While highlighting many of the challenges that remain, it provides concrete examples of how the international community in general can support women’s efforts and peacebuilding processes.