In Afghanistan, Darfur and Timor-Leste, we have seen to what extent the leade...

In Afghanistan, Darfur and Timor-Leste, we have seen to what extent the leaders of our peacekeeping operations can use their good offices to facilitate women's participation in political processes. The experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo clearly shows that forming partnerships with women in post-conflict situations greatly enhances our understanding of the operational environment. It should, therefore, enable us to further increase our ability to protect women and children from sexual violence in those countries, which is clearly vital despite the very difficult circumstances of which we are all aware.