The positive ramifications of increasing women's participation in every conte...

The positive ramifications of increasing women's participation in every context and at every stage of political transition are widely recognized and critically important. Situations of political transition should be perceived as providing opportunities for enhancing women's roles in decision-making at every level. It is equally important to redouble our efforts to combat impunity. Unfortunately, armed conflict and post- conflict disorder hit women and children the hardest. Targeted measures should be directed at the perpetrators of sexual violence and rape. We should all ensure that effective international mechanisms are established to respond to such crimes and bring their perpetrators to justice.