From our experience in SADC, we have learned that it is important to build so...

From our experience in SADC, we have learned that it is important to build solidarity among all
stakeholders, particularly women. We therefore remain committed to working within a
consultative and collaborative framework to find peaceful solutions to conflicts. To that end, we
believe it would be important for women in local communities to be allowed to participate in
finding solutions for the reconstruction and rebuilding of their countries. The equal need for the
representation and participation of women in formal peace processes and at the negotiating table
cannot be overemphasized. As the ones who are the first to suffer when there is conflict, women
are often the ones who know when and how to rebuild the lives of their communities. Women
should therefore be at the forefront of developing and implementing postconflict strategies and
programmes.