postconflict situations are windows of opportunity during which gender relations can and should be rethought and which if properly utilized can serve as the right moment to rewrite the rules and practices that previously served as obstacles to the participation of women in society overall our book is meant to challenge the popular and oftenpropagated assumption that women should be supported empowered and given a voice merely in their roles as victims collectively we provide evidence in support of the growing understanding at international national and local levels that while and because women are disproportionately affected by war they can be powerful agents of positive and sustainable change if brought on board and given the chance to participate in every aspect of a society s peacebuilding process