There are contrasting perspectives of the gender dimensions on conflict. Some analysis portray women as "inherently peaceful", identifying war as an essentially "male" phenomenon. However, the view of women as passive subjects in situations of conflict tends to obscure the ways in which they con gain from conflict through acquiring new status, skills and power. Rather than viewing war as a "male" phenomenon, it is useful to look at how gender relations are affected and how gender identity becomes politicized during conflict. Women who are forced to take on new responsibilities, in spite of the attempts to reassert traditional gender roles. Some women thrive on their increased status as cultural guardians, or as mothers, where this serves nationalist aims; others face severe social sanctions, or death for challenging imposed norms on behavior, such as wearing the veil. Similarly, men may be stigmatized if they fail to live up to masculine ideals of courage and physical strength. As conscripts, they are brutalized and expected to confirm to macho military cultures, which promote aggression and the abuse of women.

Armed conflicts brings its own distinct forms of violence against women. The general breakdown of law and order which occurs during conflict and displacement leads to an increase in all forms of violence. The tensions of powerlessness and the loss of traditional mole roles associated with displacement may be manifested in an increased incidence of domestic violence against women. The underlying acceptance of violence against women which exists within many societies becomes more outwardly acceptable in conflict situations. It can, therefore, be seen as a continuum of the violence that women are subjected to in peacetime. The situations compounded by the polarization of gender roles which frequently occurs during armed conflict. An image of masculinity is sometimes formed, which encourages aggressive and misogynist behavior. On the other hand, women may be idealized as the bearers of a cultural identity and their bodies perceived as "territory"' to be conquered. Troops may also use rape and other forms of violence against women to increase men's subjugation and humiliation.

While it is important to acknowledge the specific ways in which women suffer from the consequences of war and to take the necessary preventive measures, the tendency to see women merely as "victims" of war ignores the potential contribution of women to durable solutions. Women are not merely victims of war, passive subjects of abuse in conflict situations, but they can also be active agents of peace. Among the fundamental building blocks of the women's movement(s) are non-violence, participatory and democratic principles and solidarity -building- all necessary factors of anyy peace process. The experiences of women who have been part of the women's movements around these principles can have started serving as a valuable resource in finding peaceful and democratic solutions to conflicts. It is the recent acknowledgement of this potential which has led to increasing calls in the international arena asking for more active participation in conflict prevention and resolution since women bring different perspectives and innovative approaches to preventive diplomacy as well as to peacekeeping and demanding full participation of women in decision-making at all levels and in power structures.