Conflicts affects women, men, girls, and boys in different ways. Women and girls face
discrimination based on their gender. Displaced women and refugees are especially vulnerable.
They are most vulnerable to conflict-related sexual violence. At the same time, women and girls
play a key role in preserving their communities. Their economic and social responsibilities may
increase in times of war. They often act as agents of peace, leading movements that eventually
bring the warring parties to the negotiation table. Women often address the root causes of a
conflict and increase community buy-in. WOCONET is working

a) Promote and support women’s active and meaningful participation in all conflict-
prevention and conflict-resolution mechanisms and institutions (formal and
informal), and mainstream a gender perspective into all peace and security
activities and strategies

b) Promote and safeguard the human rights of women and girls and take special
measures to protect them from sexual and gender-based violence
c) Promote women’s equal access to justice and ensure that their specific needs are
taken into account.
d) Strengthen efforts to increase the participation of women and girls in all peace
and security efforts