In "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," author Alexander McCall Smith explores themes of gender perspectives on conflict. A character suggests that if women held more positions of power, the likelihood of wars occurring would diminish. This highlights the notion that women, with their unique experiences and empathetic nature, might prioritize peace over aggression.

The quote expresses the belief that women perceive war differently than men, viewing it through the lens of its devastating human costs. The focus is on the suffering it brings, exemplified by the image of broken bodies and grieving mothers, suggesting that a more nurturing perspective might lead to a desire for conflict resolution over fighting.