Drawing from a spectrum of case studies, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, the Philippines and Rwanda, this study highlights a variety of ways that women, specifically, have experienced conflict and peacebuilding, and offers new insights and provides important lessons for international and national agencies promoting democracy reform and peacebuilding. Its purpose is twofold: first, to increase the visibility and recognition of women from marginalized communities as stakeholders in peace- and state-building activities, as actors who both disrupt (‘spoilers’) and work toward (‘facilitators’) peace and security; and, second, to raise awareness about strategies and practices to enhance their participation.