Makes the case for taking gendered views of conflict, violence, war and peace as a basic prerequisite of conflict transformation. In examining the relation between masculinities, femininities and violence, as well as the links between structure and agency, the author highlights the dangers of assuming ‘natural’ gender behaviour. She stresses the need for women and men to be able to live a plurality of roles and identities. She also outlines ways in which conflict transformation could be improved by fully integrating gender issues into its analysis.