Peace is a prerequisite for the attainment of equality between women and men. It is estimated that close to 90 per cent of current war casualties are civilians, the majority of whom, are women and children. This demographic also makes up an estimated 80 per cent of the 50 million refugees and displaced people world wide, with women also particularly vulnerable to systematic violence during war, including rape and sexual slavery. Armed conflict increases the number of female-headed households, many of which live below the poverty line. Despite these difficulties, women play an important role in conflict situations. They assume responsibility for ensuring family livelihoods in the midst of chaos and destruction, and are particularly active in the grassroots peace movement. Women are, however, currently underrepresented in peacekeeping, peace building and post conflict reconstruction, and as a result these efforts are often gender-blind.