Women and Peace-building in Aceh Barat District, Indonesia

This book documents women's experiences and roles, the changes in the gender roles and relationships, gender needs in the peace-building and challenges for a gender sensitive approach in peace-building strategies in Aceh Barat. Women in the multifaceted roles in the post-conflict situation have their potential role in the peacebuilding. In each of the roles defined as women as victims, women as ex- combatants, women for peace in the non-governmental sector, women in formal peace politics, women as coping and surviving actors, women as household heads, and women and (in)formal employment, they gave their particular contribution to the peacebuilding. The changes in the gender role and relationships shows to us that woman take a more active role during the conflict. This active role could lead to positive change towards women's empowerment and gender equality. The women's needs in the peace-building identified in this thesis ranging from livelihood and income recovery, security and justice, health, education, house, and participation in politics shows well supports are needed to function well in their active contribution to peace-building.