401 Review quantitative data available on the situation of women in societies affected by war and the differences between these and men and women in societies not affected by war. Depending on the starting point for gender equality issues, the unique features of each conflict and the different circumstances affecting women in situations of conflict (confinement to their homes, having to take refuge in displaced persons or refugee camps or fighting), conflict and post conflict situations can provide an opportunity to accelerate the empowerment of women, leave them in the same situation or even exacerbate their situation. In any event, conflict defines constraints, employment options and may have benefits, such as a change in gender conceptions. The authors point out that in most cases war has a negative impact on women, who have to deal with an escalation of violence and crime, the rules imposed by a male-dominated society and the collapse of social services. This situation tends to persist during the post-conflict period, which is why the actors involved in reconstruction efforts should take account of the different needs and situations of men and women, as the transition represents an opportunity to eliminate gender inequality and reform traditional institutions to make room for women in all social and political spheres. In the last chapter of the book, Donald Steinberg discusses the roadmap that should be followed for successful implementation of Resolution 1325, as well as the goals for the next decade. While the Resolution has marked a turning point in improving the situation of women and the protection of human rights, it still has a long way to go in many areas. The author appeals for a move from words to action. Very few countries have implemented action plans or even developed measures to promote the participation of women in, for instance, senior positions in peacekeeping operations, where the UN is still far off target. It is interesting how this organisation criticises itself in UN documents which in some cases tend to perpetuate stereotypes, such as women are more pacific than men, or places women in the same category as minors by continuously associating women with children. Although this is a very complete work, a chapter devoted exclusively to the low participation of women in negotiations and peace processes would have been desirable. An analysis of the processes in which women have been involved, their potential impact on peace agreements, matters concerning sexual violence and its prosecution and redress would be a good way to complete the proposed roadmap. In any event, this very complete work with outstanding analyses and the input of leading researchers is a recommended read.
REVISTA IEEE 3
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