How and why do women?s contributions matter in peace and security processes? Why should women?s activities in this sphere be explored separately from peace building efforts in general? Decisively answering these questions, Sanam Anderlini offers a comprehensive, cross-regional analysis of women?s peace building initiatives around the world. Anderlini also traces the evolution of international policies in this arena and highlights the endemic problems that stunt progress. Her astute analysis, based on extensive research and field experience, demonstrates how gender sensitivity in programming can be a catalytic component in the complex task of building sustainable peace, and provides concrete examples of how to draw on women?s untapped potential. About the Author Sanam Naraghi Anderlini is a research affiliate of the MIT Centre for International Studies. For over a decade she has worked with the UN, NGOs, and bilateral donors as an advocate, researcher, trainer, and writer on issues relating to women?s participation in peace and security. Table of Contents Introduction Preventing and Transforming Conflict Nonviolently Getting to the Peace Table Disarming, Demobilizing, and Reintegrating Fighters Post conflict Governance and Leadership Transitional Justice and Reconciliation How the International System Lets Women Down Conclusion Selected Bibliography Index.