Valuable as they may be, indicators are not enough. They are but a means to a...

Valuable as they may be, indicators are not enough. They are but a means to an end. We must work harder to effect concrete changes through action. It is important to increase engagement by the Governments concerned. National action plans are important vehicles in this regard, especially if they also involve a broad range of actors, including civil society. It is also important that action plans be supported by adequate funding. If women's concerns and needs in conflict situations are to be properly addressed and if women are to play an equal part in maintaining peace, they must be politically and economically empowered. Representation at all levels of decision-making and access to economic opportunities are key in this regard. In post conflict situations, where institutions are rebuilt and gradually consolidated, there is often a window of opportunity to surmount historical gender inequalities. In that context, it is essential that constitutional, political and educational reform processes, as well as programmes aimed at economic revitalization, give special attention to the role of women.