A UNHCR study found that three factors influence the ability of war-affected women to return and effectively engage in reconciliation processes: (a) lack of family or community support; (b) personal security; and (c) psychological trauma.

For women whose trauma is associated to sexual violence, there is significant stigma as well as real risks of being re-traumatized and victimized upon return. Very few of the perpetrators have been arrested and prosecuted - and still live in their original municipalities (UNHCR, 2000).

Women play a central role in all societies, but have a particular important role in the reconciliation and re-establish process. In many cultures women are the family providers and breadwinners. After a conflict, in a reconstruction phase, where (most often) a large number of men have been killed and mutilated due to direct involvement the women must take a lead in rebuilding entire communities. This includes support and empowerment for women partaking in sport programs as coaches, leaders, administrators and participants. Something women often are deprived of.

It is important to stress that trauma work to a large extent focuses on women and children. Men are often perceived as the perpetrators or already dead as result of direct conflict, while much of the funding goes to trauma healing for the "classical trauma victims".