International support in such dynamic and evolving situations is to be based on broad political willingness and adequate and predictable resources. Efforts skewed towards unduly benefiting one group at the expense of others are likely to exacerbate a situation, igniting the causes of conflict. Active participation by members of civil society and by local and traditional authorities, including marginalized groups, may ease the situation and contribute significantly to ensuring national ownership for achieving peacebuilding goals through a common vision of national development. The full and effective participation of women can further strengthen the process.
Third, gender mainstreaming and the role of women in post-conflict peacebuilding cannot be overemphasized. The institution-building process and its outcome should ensure gender perspectives as appropriate. While crafting such norms and standards, sufficient attention must be given to ensuring that the concerns of women in the host country are adequately taken into account so as to empower them to effectively participate in the post-conflict country's economic, political, social and security-related activities.
As a supporting partner, the international community must advance its capacities through institutional, technical, financial, human and other assistance in which it has the capacity to do so. The process must forge the effective participation of all stakeholders, including women, civil society and marginalized groups, so as to address the root causes of conflicts.