ABOUT 30 women from Rwanda, Burundi and DR Congo on Tuesday completed a week-long meeting during which they discussed peace and development in the region.

The meeting, organised by the women convention in the Great Lakes region, was held in Rusizi District, Western Province.

Brigitte Kinunda, from  Burundi, told this paper after the meeting that the contribution of women in peace and development process was essential.

She said the debate aimed at seeking a common stand on how women can better contribute to peace building and development in the region.

"We can cross from one country to the other without fear because of efforts that have been made towards peace and development,” Kinunda said, adding that this needs to be sustained.

The women who took part in the convention expressed solidarity with those who have been victims of violence and called for the practice to end.