This article discusses a research methodology - the Peace and Conflict Gender Analysis - used by UNIFEM in the Solomon Islands to investigate women's and men's experiences of armed conflict and peace building. The simple methodology enables a deeper understanding of the gender dimensions of conflict and peace. This includes issues such as moving beyond stereotyped conceptions of men-as-combatants and women-as-victims, challenging gender-role stereotypes, demonstrating the significance of traditional gender roles, and highlighting gender-related tensions arising in the post-conflict context. Finally, the article highlights how the results of the research have important implications for post-conflict recovery and peace building programmes.