Reconciliatory processes have been shown to aid in the rebuilding of societies, to promote personal catharsis, and to encourage peace and healing. However, in order to contribute to this progress, it is critical that women are meaningfully engaged in these processes. This involves recognition that women’s value and ability to contribute to peace is equal to men’s. Further, it is crucial that the positive effects of reconciliation are extended to women, in order to promote healing, gender equality, and women’s rights. This paper examines women’s experiences of conflict and reconciliation in Sierra Leone, and explores their participation in the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission (SLTRC), and the gendered aspects of this process. The SLTRC was established as an accountability and reconciliation mechanism, and was tasked with investigating and reporting on the causes, context and conduct of the war. A central element of the Commission was to provide perpetrators and survivors with a public forum in which to relate their experiences. Derived from qualitative interviews with women engaged in this process, this paper provides a critical assessment of the factors that shape and limit women’s involvement in reconciliation processes.
