On October 21, 2009 at American University, Maneshka Eliatamby-De Silva of the Center for Peace Building International, Evelyn Thornton of the Institute for Inclusive Security, and and Saji Prelis of the Peacebuilding and Development Institute discussed the role of women as both combatants and peacebuilders during times of conflict.
Some of the topics addressed included female militancy, particularly in Sri Lanka; Women in Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) efforts; the importance of femal participation in order to achieve security and sustainable peace; and ways to increase female leadership in peace processes.
The event was organized by American University Peacebuilding and Development Institute.