ONLINE DIALOGUE: Women as Peacemakers; the Rise of India; Hagiography or Biography?

In her article, Mariella Frostrup asks "Local groups are best placed to mediate in civil war, so why aren't we listening to them?" (Let women lead way to peace, 15 April). This and the other questions she asks in the body of the article are more pressing when we look at the resolution 1325 that the UN security council passed unanimously in October 2000 and its companion resolutions 1820, 1888 and 1889.

These resolutions are the culmination of several decades of growing realisation of the dire consequences paid by women and girls in violent conflicts. They are the result of active involvement and advocacy by women's organisations for recognition of the diverse roles that women play both in conflict resolution and building peace. Progressive media such as the Guardian must take a more active part in ensuring that the most basic rights to life, safety and participation of 50% of the world population do not continue to be ignored.

Thank you for publishing Frostrup's article. I would urge you to consider undertaking special coverage of these issues on a regular basis.

Bruna Nota

Toronto, Canada