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SESSION 4: Working group discussion on the basis of theresearch papers37. During session 4, participants were divided into three groups and invited to discuss the previouspresentations on the role of parliaments in political violence and instability, gender-based violence,and regional crisis prevention and recovery mechanisms in West Africa. Participants sharedexperiences, good practices, and challenges from their respective countries regarding these issues.The main ideas developed are summarized below: Crisis Prevention mechanisms38. Participants agreed that parliamentarians have the capacity to act as mediators and agents ofpeace during times of crisis. The following examples were highlighted: In Mali, the Parliament hadmediated with the rebels. In Guinea Bissau, a protocol on conflict prevention has been issued,ratified by the Parliament and supported and promoted by women networks. During the conflict inCôte d’Ivoire, the Parliament passed a number of laws on prevention and reconciliation, such as theAmnesty law, the law on the functioning of political parties, and on the electoral commission, etc.Participants underscored:a) The need to institutionalize crisis prevention mechanisms. In Togo for example, since 2005, anall party consultative committee has been set up and is currently led by the opposition; a Truthand Reconciliation Commission has also been established;b) The need for sustainable and lasting crisis prevention mechanisms;c) The need for mechanisms which allow parliaments to follow-up and monitor adopted laws toensure they are effectively implemented and able to promote peace in the long term. Gender-Based Violence39. Most of the participating countrieshave passed gender sensitivelegislation such as quota laws (BurkinaFaso, Republic of Congo, GuineaBissau, Guinea Conakry, etc.),legislation against human trafficking(Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone), femalegenital mutilations (Togo, GuineaBissau, Sierra Leone), gender violenceand domestic violence laws inapplication of resolutions 1325 and1820 of the UN Security Council (SierraLeone, Guinea Bissau, Liberia); lawsrelated to customary marriage (SierraLeone), free education for women(Togo), HIV/ AIDS (Sierra Leone).Gender-sensitive legislation is thereforeprogressing; in Guinea Bissau and20