APHDR Technical Background Paper 2010/11

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APHDR Technical Background Paper 2010/11

June 17, 2015

The participation of women and girls in armed conflict is far more common than recognized. Women have been embracing revolts, independence struggles, and war in many countries. They are in demand for “support” roles like intelligence, logistics, food, nursing, as well as for combat, bombings and suicide missions. Their reasons for joining are many—forced recruitment, fleeing oppression or abuse at home, a desire to feel valued. They receive military-type instruction-- training on ethics and attitude, strategy, guerilla tactics and use of weapons. Traditional gender roles are blurred, there being little hesitation in using women’s services in conflict as per the demands of leadership.

Though women are fundamental to the functioning of the war apparatus and accept the same danger and insecurity as men, they face specific vulnerabilities, including sexual exploitation. Post-conflict, some “disappear” due to stigma for having stepped outside social norms. Others want participation in peacetime political processes. However, there is a policy gap in fully recognizing gender during disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. Skills acquired during conflict can be transferred to good use in peacetime, recognizing former roles. Successful reintegration of women, no less than men, into civil lives requires a better understanding of gender to enable everyone to lead fulfilled lives and reduce alienation, contributing to lasting peace and human development.

Document Type
Regions and Countries