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Peace Work: Women, Armed Conflict, and Negotiation

Authored by: Radhika Coomaraswamy, Dilrukshi Fonseka (Editors)

Categories: Violent Conflict
Sub-Categories: Human Development, Nonviolent Resistance, Peacemaking
Country: Sri Lanka, Philippines, Japan, Ireland, Yugoslavia, South Africa
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Year: 2004
Citation: Coomaraswamy, Radhika and Dilrukshi Fonseka, eds. Peace Work: Women, Armed Conflict, and Negotiation. New Delhi: Women Unlimited, 2004.

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Abstract

It is now widely recognized that women are uniquely affected by war and violence; in post-conflict scenarios, however, the presence of women is almost negligible. In negotiating peace settlements, in drafting constitutions and in working for peace between conflicting groups, men far out-number women. The papers in this volume explore the multiple ways in which women relate with war and peace, assessing their participation and unravelling their potential for shaping a more stable and peaceful social structure. Taking cognizance of the large number of civilian victims of modern-day conflicts, the essays throw light on the questioning of status quo that is often most acute in times of conflict. This volume addresses the need to understand both the in-depth reality of each particular conflict site Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Japan, Ireland Yugoslavia, South Africa, the Indian subcontinent and also the experiences of women peace-workers across these different sites in a comparative perspective. While discussing the diverse strategies used by peace-workers and their relative success or failure, it also underlines the importance of women’s participation in forging partnerships for a lasting peace.