Women often play a crucial role in peace-building in communities which have been riven with conflict, but are excluded from formal negotiations.

What’s more, the contributions they do take are not figured into the plans made by those in formal negotiations. This means that their perspectives on conflicts, and some of the best ways to forge peace, are ignored. This can have serious consequences.

The problem is so severe that the United Nations Security Council issued a Resolution - known as 1325 - to encourage countries to better include women across the security sector, particularly in peace-building.

A conference in Almaty in November 2013 brought together the OSCE’s expertise in conflict prevention, resolution and rehabilitation, with that of UN Women. We spoke to some of the participants.

More info: http://www.osce.org/gender/108187

Does peace need women?

The OSCE is the world's largest regional security organization whose 57 participating States span the geographical area from Vancouver to Vladivostok.