As the Secretary-General notes in his report, rebuilding after a conflict off...

As the Secretary-General notes in his report, rebuilding after a conflict offers an opportunity to create a virtuous cycle, starting from more inclusive peace processes. The report also draws an important link between women's participation and the wider question of gender equality. Women need to be included in all phases of peace processes and in post- conflict governance institutions. Outside actors cannot dictate the composition of the negotiating delegations, but there is a lot that can be done. Peace mediators and their supporting teams can ensure that sufficient gender expertise is provided to the parties; they can also organize parallel consultations with women's groups if they do not have a seat at the table.