As recently reaffirmed in resolution 2242 (2015), women and girls’ empowerment and gender equality are crucial to conflict prevention. In the discussion on conflict prevention and mediation, Member States should commit to adopting holistic approaches that address the root causes of conflict and unequal access to resources, including systemic and structural discrimination and inequalities, which are often at the heart of grievances driving instability. Member States must prioritize disarmament through gender-sensitive approaches and protection initiatives, created through inclusive civil society dialogue, and move away from the narrative that militarism is the main recourse to ensure security. The Security Council and Member States should take action against illegal exploitation and trafficking of natural resources and commodities in areas where it contributes to the outbreak, escalation or continuation of armed conflict. Member States should further outline steps to ensure women participate in the design of all conflict prevention measures, including early warning mechanisms and preventative diplomacy initiatives. Women’s civil society organizations (CSOs) should have a prominent role in all conflict prevention efforts at local levels, and Member States should recognize the need to support grassroots efforts with increased, long-term and predictable funding and political support.