¶ … Women and conflict resolution" was published in 2004 in The Palestine-Israel Journal of Politics, Economics and Culture. She puts forward women's role in political negotiations and societal decision-making, stating that, in a world where the absence of war does not necessarily imply the presence of peace, women can be important contributors to a reconciliation approach "through education and civil society -- the two areas where women are the most active and have the most experience." (Golan, 2012) Golan's article is an invitation to revise general attitudes in political circles toward women's presence at negotiating tables. It is an invitation to include women and accept their capability to negotiate and cooperate despite national identities and cultural differences that may sometimes prevent men who are in official positions to reach a beneficial, reconciliatory agreement between parties. We live in a world that is apparently bound to be affected by violent conflict at all times. Even during some of the most peaceful times in human history, there were rebellions and violence. Historians regard Pax Romana (the "Roman peace" period), which was a 200 years-long peace set by Julius Caesar's nephew, Octavian, as the moment in history when the world was able to catch its breath. However, violence often prevailed because of rivalries over the border between Rome and Germany. In addition, Rome itself invaded and annexed Britain. A hundred years later, the peaceful empire of Genghis Khan was established along the course of many violent conflicts that gave the Mongolian leader his fearful reputation, for which he is most known today. Finally, two of the most important wars of all time occurred in our era, the two World Wars. In fact, World War II is regarded as one of the most devastating wars in the history, which produced more human casualties...

Armed conflicts continued to exist all over the world even after 1945, most of them resulting in human deaths and difficult economic and social disparities. In 2012, 32 conflicts were recorded in 26 locations, and 25% of these were internationalized, troops from outside supporting either one of the parties involved (Themner & Wallensteen, 2013). Yes, violent conflicts such as the war in Afghanistan and the conflict in Syria nowadays represent further evidence that our world, for much of its longing for peace, cannot seem to find the solution to it.
Throughout these turbulent times in our history, women have been both victims and combatants. Feminist activists have spoken publicly about violence and women's ethic of care that, in their opinion, stands as a model for conflict resolution. "Given the role of women regarding the very basic, personal needs of the family, "Golan argues, "it is possible that women would tend to approach peace from a human rights perspective." (2012) She further states that this perspective "would emphasize fairness, tolerance, respect for difference, for minorities, for "the other," because women live as "the other," as the minority -- not in numbers but in the attitude toward them in society." (Golan 2012) As such, the article reflects the idea that, because women have shared experiences of stereotyping, they are able to understand violence differently, they are more capable of nurturing positive feelings when in contact with cultural beliefs, perceptions and attitudes that are different. Therefore, Golan's article is as much about women's role concerning the achievement of peace, as it is about this passive-aggressive violence directed at women in developing countries and worldwide. This is suggested by the fact that women still have to make incredible efforts to…