
The chapter also discusses the increasing role of female peacekeeping forces. The organization has raised over $80 million throughout 17 years and has worked with over 250,000 women and girls. Women for Women International was founded by Zainab Salbi and aims to help women survivors of war recover from their experiences. The chapter provides two case studies of women’s engagement in peace processes, one from a non-governmental perspective and another from a state perspective. For example, the chapter mentions that women organized peace campaigns during the 1991 Balkan wars and the 2000 coup d’état in Fiji. The participation of women in formal peace processes is vital for a society to move forward during post-conflict periods, as indicated by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. Women can take active roles in violence, such as joining the conflict, or participate in peace processes. They can have critical perspectives on their position, make choices, and organize collectively. However, women and girls are not merely victims in situations of inter- or intra-state violence. During times of armed conflict, women are exploited in ways that relate to their reproductive responsibilities or gendered expectations of womanhood. These vulnerabilities include rape, forced marriage, forced impregnation, indentured labour, sexual servitude, and the intentional spread of HIV/AIDS. This chapter discusses the impacts of armed conflict on women and girls, including the renewed social vulnerabilities these conflicts cause.

Project: Liberia – Female Peacekeepers Smash Stereotypes.Post-Conflict Gains in Gender Relations.
