Before examining the nature of reconciliation how conflict involves and affects women and men in different ways is acknowledged. The first section of this paper explores gender roles and militarization and how the social construction of masculinity and femininity nourishes and legitimizes militarism. In the second section why and how gender roles shifts when war starts is highlighted. Besides suffering, the conflict can trigger enormous strength and agency in women that they would not otherwise have the opportunity to exercise because of the patriarchal structures in their societies. Empowerment moves women from the private to the public sphere. Women are often not included in official peace negotiations where they could articulate their needs and concerns. The final chapter explores the aftermath of conflict and questions the role men and women in peace building and reconciliation.
Author examines interlaced impact, which war, militarism and globalization connected changes, as macro processes, have on sex trafficking in women. The study includes both immediate and long-term impact of ethnic conflicts and militarisation of the region as well as the impact of changes connected to transition from communism in both the Balkans and other parts of Eastern Europe.