While women may look different, as some wear suits and others wear saris, or some cover their hair while others wear their hair loose, women need to stand together because they all face the central point of discrimination, although the extremity of which may be different from Kigali to Kabul.

Without women's full inclusion at the decision making table, we cannot have any healthy decision making that is good for men and women alike.

As women, we must speak out, speak up, say no to our inheritance of loss and yes to a future of women-led dialogue about women's rights and value.

No change can come if those who are impacted the most by discrimination are not willing to stand up for themselves.

Only 8 percent of peace talks have included women at any level.

Leadership is not about having the charisma or speaking inspirational words, but about leading with example.

Like life, peace begins with women. We are the first to forge lines of alliance and collaboration across conflict divides.