Gender Mainstreaming
Case Studies
Gender and Security Sector Reform: Examples from the Ground
The Examples from the Ground are concrete illustrations of ways in which a gender perspective has been integrated in different security sector institutions around the world. They range from measures to counter human trafficking in Kosovo, to women’s organisations’ involvement with security institutions in Nepal, to female parliamentarians’ contribution to post-conflict reconstruction in Rwanda. These examples can help policymakers, trainers and educators better understand and demonstrate the linkages between gender and SSR.
The examples are organised around the following nine themes, for which a short introduction is provided:
• Police Reform and Gender
• Defence Reform and Gender
• Justice Reform and Gender
• Penal Reform and Gender
• Border Management and Gender
• Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender
• National Security Policy-Making and Gender
• Civil Society Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender
• SSR Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation and Gender
Individual examples can also be downloaded individually, in English or in French, at:http://gssrtraining.ch/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=131&lang=en
Case studies are provided for Kosovo, Liberia, Nicaragua, Sierra Leone, Timor-Leste, Hungary, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the Central African Republic, Indonesia, Peru, Somalia, Afghanistan, the Russian Federation, Tajikstan, Rwand, Brazil, Israel, Jamaica, Nepal, the United States, and the regions of West Africa and the Pacific.
Women's Meaningful Participation in Peacebuilding and Governance
This study on Nepal was commissioned by CARE Austria (CÖ) as a contribution to CARE’s International Report on Women, Peace and Security: Review of 1325 +10 years in Nepal, Uganda and Afghanistan, defining ‘meaningful participation by women’. The Country Study was carried out between 13th July and 30th September 2010 by Consultant Lesley Abdela, Senior Partner in UK-based Consultancy Eyecatcher/Shevolution. As well as small-group gatherings in Kathmandu and desk review of relevant documentation, meetings were held with CARE staff and partner organisations and other stakeholders, including war survivors, Donors, INGOs, NGOs, women’s network alliances/coalitions, Nepal Government Departments, LPCs, community groups, Media and UN agencies.
Tools
A Women’s Guide to Security Sector Reform
A Women’s Guide to Security Sector Reform seeks to encourage and empower women to take part in shaping and transforming the security sector in their communities and countries.
The Women’s Guide provides both information on the security sector and tools for action. It draws on the rich and varied experiences of women in civil society from across the world and shares examples of practical, and sometimes innovative, ways to influence reform from the grassroots.
The Women’s Guide to Security Sector Reform includes three sections:
- Section 1:Understanding Security
Introduces key concepts in security, explaining SSR, and discusses why women’s contributions in civil society are vital to transforming the security sector.
- Section 2:Get Involved
Outlines concrete ways in which women’s organisations can engage and influence reform: how to research security issues, form coalitions, plan strategically, develop recommendations, advocate and engage directly.
- Section 3:Tools for Action
Presents an array of practical activities and tools for women’s organisations to take action, including activities to identify local security needs, sample letters to security officials, talking points for meetings with policymakers and media and definitions of security jargon.
Border Management and Gender (Tool 6)
This tool focuses on border management reform and the different ways in which border transactions impact the lives of women, men, boys and girls.
It encompasses the various border control functions – customs, immigration and law enforcement – and demonstrates the operational benefits of ensuring that gender perspectives are included in border management policies, procedures and practices.
The tool includes:
- A conceptual introduction to border management and gender
- An outline of ways in which integrating gender strengthens border management
- Actions to integrate gender into border management
- Examination of specific gender and border management issues in post-conflict, transitional, developing and developed country contexts
Civil Society Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender (Tool 9)
This tool is designed to be a resource for civil society organisations (CSOs) engaged in oversight of the security sector, as well as those CSOs that seek to play a more active role in this regard.
The tool is also relevant for policymakers and officials in national governments, international and regional organisations, and donor countries around the world that are engaged in designing and implementing security sector reforms and that could play an active role in strengthening and supporting civil society engagement.
The tool includes:
- A description of the role of civil society in oversight mechanisms
- The rationale behind the inclusion of gender issues and ways in which this can strengthen and enhance oversight
- Entry points for incorporating gender into different aspects of civil society oversight, including practical tips and examples
- An overview of integrating gender into civil society oversight in post-conflict, transitional, developing and developed countries
DCAF Gender and Security Sector Reform Toolkit
The Gender and Security Sector Reform Toolkit includes:
Thirteen Tools
1. Security Sector Reform and Gender
2. Police Reform and Gender
3. Defence Reform and Gender
4. Justice Reform and Gender
5. Penal Reform and Gender
6. Border Management and Gender
7. Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender
8. National Security Policy-Making and Gender
9. Civil Society Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender
10. Private Military and Security Companies and Gender
11. SSR Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation and Gender
12. Gender Training for Security Sector Personnel
13. Implementing the Women, Peace and Security Resolutions in Security Sector Reform
Thirteen Practice Notes (4 pages, based on the Tools)
Practice Note 1
Practice Note 2
Practice Note 3
Practice Note 4
Practice Note 5
Practice Note 6
Practice Note 7
Practice Note 8
Practice Note 9
Practice Note 10
Practice Note 11
Practice Note 12
Practice Note 13
Annex on International and Regional Laws and Instruments related to SSR and Gender
Defence Reform and Gender (Tool 3)
Local ownership of SSR processes is widely acknowledged and advocated in current international discourse. National actors, located in government ministries, defence services, research institutions and civil society are therefore a target audience of the tool. The tool provides insight into defence reform processes and the manner in which women can be integrated into the armed forces and defence structures. It also highlights areas for advocacy and civil society mobilisation in the quest for democratically controlled armed forces. The tool includes:
- An introduction to defence reform
- The rationale for why integrating gender strengthens defence reform processes
- Practical actions to integrate gender into defence reform initiatives
- An overview of particular gender and defence reform issues in post-conflict, transitional, developing and developed country contexts
Gender and Security Sector Reform Toolkit - Annex
Security sector reform (SSR) is increasingly prioritised by governments, and on the agenda of international development, peace and security communities. SSR opens a window of possibility to transform security policies, institutions and programmes, creating opportunities to integrate gender issues
Despite this recognition of the importance of integrating gender issues in SSR, there has been a lack of resources on the topic. This Toolkit is an initial response to the need for information and analysis on gender and SSR. It is designed to provide policymakers and practitioners with a practical introduction to why gender issues are important in SSR and what can be done to integrate them.
The Toolkit Annex is a compilation of key laws and instruments relevant to gender and SSR, referencing specific articles that relate to particular security sector institutions.Section 1 includes more general standards relating to SSR and gender, as well as a section on norms guiding security sector reform and a compilation of international and regional instruments. Each subsequent chapter refers to a particular area of SSR covered in the Gender and Security Sector Reform Toolkit .
For translations in French, Arabic, Montenegrin, Russian, and Indonesian, click here.
Gender and Security Sector Reform Toolkit User Guide
This Toolkit is an initial response to the need for information and analysis on gender and SSR. It is designed to provide policymakers and practitioners with a practical introduction to why gender issues are important in SSR and what can be done to integrate them.
The Gender and Security Sector Reform Toolkit includes:
- This user guide- 13 Tools (20 pages)
- 13 Practice Notes (4 pages, based on the Tools)
- Annex on International and Regional Laws and Instruments related to SSR andGender
The topics of the Tools and corresponding Practice Notes are:
1. Security Sector Reform and Gender
2. Police Reform and Gender
3. Defence Reform and Gender
4. Justice Reform and Gender
5. Penal Reform and Gender
6. Border Management and Gender
7. Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender
8. National Security Policy-Making and Gender
9. Civil Society Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender
10. Private Military and Security Companies and Gender
11. SSR Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation and Gender
12. Gender Training for Security Sector Personnel
13. Implementing the Women, Peace and Security Resolutions in Security Sector Reform
Gender and SSR Toolkit - User Guide
The Gender and SSR toolkit is an initial response to the need for information and analysis on gender and SSR. It is designed to provide policymakers and practitioners with a practical introduction to why gender issues are important in SSR and what can be done to integrate them.
The Gender and Security Sector Reform Toolkit includes:
- This user guide- 13 Tools (20 pages)
- 13 Practice Notes (4 pages, based on the Tools)
- Annex on International and Regional Laws and Instruments related to SSR andGender
The topics of the Tools and corresponding Practice Notes are:
1. Security Sector Reform and Gender
2. Police Reform and Gender
3. Defence Reform and Gender
4. Justice Reform and Gender
5. Penal Reform and Gender
6. Border Management and Gender
7. Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender
8. National Security Policy-Making and Gender
9. Civil Society Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender
10. Private Military and Security Companies and Gender
11. SSR Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation and Gender
12. Gender Training for Security Sector Personnel
13. Implementing the Women, Peace and Security Resolutions in Security Sector Reform
Gender Self-Assessment Guide for the Police, Armed Forces and Justice Sector
This DCAF self-assessment guide is a tool for assessing the gender responsiveness of a security sector institution. While it can be used by other security sector institutions, it is particularly designed for use by police services, armed forces and justice sector institutions. A gender-responsive security sector institution is one that both meets the distinct and different security and justice needs of men, women, boys and girls and promotes the full and equal participation of men and women.
This guide leads you through an eight-stage process to conduct an assessment of your institution, create an action plan to move your organisation forward, and monitor and evaluate the plan’s implementation.
1. Consider benefits and risks
2. Obtain the proper authorisation
3. Organise the work
4. Tailor the self-assessment process
5. Collect the information
6. Analyse and report on findings
7. Develop a gender action plan
8. Monitor, evaluate and adjust
Guide to Integrating Gender in SSR Training
The Gender and SSR Training Resource Package is designed to provide you with a wide range of exercises, discussion topics and examples from the ground that you can adapt and integrate into your SSR training. In addition to having a specific exercise or session on gender and SSR, taking a few moments to look through this guide can help you to mainstream gender issues throughout your training. It provides practical tips on integrating gender into the entire SSR training cycle—from conducting a training needs assessment to monitoring and evaluation.
This guide is explicitly designed for SSR trainers and educators. Gender trainers working with the security sector will also find the content useful. As short-hand, the guide refers to “SSR training”, however, this is broadly defined to include training related to police reform, penal reform, security sector governance and oversight, border management, defence reform, justice reform, national security policy-making, etc.
Introduction
Step 1: Assess and analyse training needs
Step 2: Develop learning objectives
Step 3: Design and develop the training
Step 4: Implement the training
Step 5: Monitor and evaluate the training
Implementing the Women, Peace and Security Resolutions in Security Sector Reform (Tool 13)
This tool is intended for use by policymakers, NGOs and international actors supporting SSR and/or the design and implementation of SCR 1325 National Action Plans. The focus of the Tool is national-level implementation of the standards set by the four United Nations Security Council Resolutions on women, peace and security (SCRs 1325, 1820, 1888 and 1889) in security sector institutions.
Reflecting the text of the resolutions, the Tool focuses on reforms in the defence forces, police and the justice sector. Issues examined include: DDR, vetting, specialised services for victims of sexual violence, prosecution of violence against women in armed conflict, measures to increase women’s leadership in police and defence organisations and to promote deployment of women in peacekeeping, peacekeepers’ training , operational strategies to prevent sexual violence, and gender justice. The Tool will also examine progress made in promoting the participation of women in security decision-making, and in integrating Security Council Resolutions 1325, 1820, 1888 and 1889 in national security policy-making, including through national action plans.
Implementing the Women, Peace and Security Resolutions in Security Sector Reform (Tool 13)
Reflecting the text of the resolutions, the Tool focuses on reforms in the defence forces, police and the justice sector. Issues examined include: DDR, vetting, specialised services for victims of sexual violence, prosecution of violence against women in armed conflict, measures to increase women’s leadership in police and defence organisations and to promote deployment of women in peacekeeping, peacekeepers’ training , operational strategies to prevent sexual violence, and gender justice. The Tool will also examine progress made in promoting the participation of women in security decision-making, and in integrating Security Council Resolutions 1325, 1820, 1888 and 1889 in national security policy-making, including through national action plans.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acronyms
1. Introduction
2. What is security sector reform?
2.1 Security sector reform
2.2 Why women and girls?
3. What are the women, peace and security resolutions?
3.1 Overview
3.2 What do the women, peace and security resolutions mean for UN Member States?
4. How can the women, peace and security resolutions be implemented in security sector reform?
4.1 In national and regional security policies and Action Plans
4.2 Through women’s participation in SSR processes
4.3 In defence reform
4.4 In police reform
4.5 In transitional justice and justice reform
4.6 In preparation for the deployment of personnel to peacekeeping missions
4.7 By Countries involved in armed conflict
5. Key recommendations
6. Additional resources
Justice Reform and Gender (Tool 4)
This tool focuses on the institutional reform of the judiciary, law reform and access to justice, with specific emphasis on gender equality. It examines justice reform within the broad and often overlapping contexts of post-conflict, transitional, developing and developed countries. Any justice reform effort is highly context-specific, and no one-fits-all template can be applied to a reform process. The tool provides suggestions and recommendations that can be adapted to the specific reform context within which you are working.The tool includes:
- An introduction to justice reform
- The rationale for why integrating gender strengthens justice reform processes
- Practical actions to integrate gender into justice reform initiatives
- An overview of particular gender and justice reform issues in post-conflict, transitional, developing and developed country contexts
National Security Policy-Making and Gender (Tool 8)
This tool provides an introduction to the benefits and opportunities of integrating gender issues into national-level security policy making.
As strategic documents, security policies are critically important in establishing a coordinated response to security threats, and can serve as a platform for security sector reform (SSR) processes. Ensuring that gender issues are integrated into security policies may increase participation and local ownership, and create policies and institutions that are more likely to effectively and sustainably provide security and justice to men, women, girls and boys on an equitable basis.
The tool includes:
-An introduction to SSR and gender
- The rationale for why integrating gender issues strengthens SSR processes
- Practical ways of integrating gender into SSR policy and programme cycles
- An overview of specific gender and SSR issues in post-conflict, transitional, developing and developed country contexts
Penal Reform and Gender (Tool 5)
The tool includes:
- An introduction to penal reform
- The rationale for why integrating gender strengthens penal reform processes
- Practical actions to integrate gender into penal reform initiatives
- An overview of particular gender and penal reform issues in post-conflict, transitional, developing and developed country contexts
Police Reform and Gender (Tool 2)
This tool is designed as a reference tool, with a mix of background information and practical examples and tips to assist in the design and/or implementation of the reform process. The following information can be used as a starting point for incorporating gender issues into a police reform processes The tool includes:
- An introduction to police reform
- The rationale behind integrating gender issues and ways in which this can strengthen police reform initiatives
- Entry points for incorporating gender issues into different aspects of police reform, including practical tips and examples
- An examination of particular gender and police reform issues in post-conflict, transitional, developing and developed country contexts
Security Sector Reform and Gender (Tool 1)
The tool includes:
- An introduction to SSR and gender
- The rationale for why integrating gender issues strengthens SSR processes
- Practical ways of integrating gender into SSR policy and programme cycles
- An overview of specific gender and SSR issues in post-conflict, transitional, developing and developed country contexts.
Training Resources on National Security Policy-Making and Gender
The Gender and SSR Training Resource Package is a series of practical training materials to help trainers integrate gender in SSR training, and deliver effective gender training to SSR audiences.
It is designed for SSR trainers and educators, and gender trainers working with the security sector, to help you present material on gender and SSR in an interesting and interactive manner. The Gender and SSR Training Resource Package contains a wide range of exercises, discussion topics and examples from the ground that you can adapt and integrate into your SSR or gender training.
A gender-responsive national security policy-making process seeks to:
» consult and involve women and men from across the community
» address the security needs of different groups of women, men, boys and girls
» confront gender-based violence
» eliminate discrimination by and within security sector institutions
Videos
Ambassador Rice Discusses Security Sector Reform in Africa
Ambassador Susan E. Rice, US Permanent Representative to the United Nations, discusses security sector reform in Africa at the United Nations in New York, NY, October 12, 2011. [Go to video.state.gov for more video and text transcript.]
Barat Ali Batoor: The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan
www.soros.org Barat Ali Batoor focused his project on bacha bazi (literally "boy play") in Afghanistan, a practice in which young boys are sold to and kept by male patrons—often powerful warlords, former military commanders, and wealthy businessmen—for entertainment at private gatherings, for use as sexual objects, and as a sign of prestige. The bacha bereesh (meaning "boy without a beard") range in age from as young as 11 to 18 and are trained to dance and sing in women's clothing, with bells tied to their feet. As many are abducted into the practice or are sold by their families, orphaned, homeless, and underprivileged boys are particularly vulnerable. Although illegal in Afghanistan and condemned as a form of child trafficking and sexual slavery, prohibition of bacha bazi is rarely enforced, as many of its patrons hold positions of power and influence. Batoor documented the lives of former bacha bereesh in Kabul who were able to escape their owners. In doing so, Batoor aims to shed light on not only how the ancient practice of bacha bazi has been revived, but also how it has affected these youth over time. www.soros.org --------------------------------- Meet the Recipients of the 2009 Production Grant for Photographers from Central Asia, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Pakistan. In 2009, the Open Society Documentary Photography Project launched a new grant program to support photographers from Central Asia, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Pakistan ...
Clip 2 from The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan
As the West pours billions of dollars into the fight against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan, an ancient tradition (banned when the Taliban were in power) has re-emerged across the rest of the country. Many hundreds of young boys living in extreme poverty are lured off the streets on the promise of a new life away from destitution, unaware their real fate is to be used for entertainment by the warlords and other powerful men of Afghanistan. Having gained remarkable access inside a sexual exploitation ring, award-winning Afghan journalist Najibullah Quraishi investigates this illegal practice, the consequences of which are shrouded by a focus on the war. The film exposes the lack of support from those in authority and explores possible responses to the plight of children in this conflict zone. Update: March 1st 2011 Dancing Boys has been nominated for a Royal Television Society Award in the single documentary category.
Documentary on Peace and Security for Women in Timor-Leste
During the recent conflicts in Timor Leste, women and girls were the victims of widespread sexual violence and abuse. This documentary describes these traumatic experiences but also the solutions provided by a local NGO, supported by the UN. As such, this piece highlights the particular vulnerability women and girls are exposed to during armed conflict. Including women and girls in peace processes remains an essential element of the sustainibility of these processes. View this documentary here.
EQUALS
JAMES BOND SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2011 www.weareequals.org / www.weareequals.org/blog The two-minute short, specially commissioned for International Women's Day, sees 007 star Daniel Craig undergo a dramatic makeover as he puts himself, quite literally, in a woman's shoes. Directed by acclaimed 'Nowhere Boy' director/conceptual artist Sam Taylor-Wood, scripted by Jane Goldman ('Kick Ass') and featuring the voice of Dame Judi Dench reprising her role as 'M', the film will be screened in cinemas and streamed online in a bid to highlight the levels of inequality that persist between men and women in the UK and worldwide. It is the first film featuring Bond to be directed by a woman. Director: Sam Taylor-Wood. Producer: Barbara Broccoli. Scriptwriter: Jane Goldman. Director of photography: Seamus McGarvey. Featuring the voice of Dame Judi Dench. Editor: Mel Agace Post production: Michael Sollinger Post production coordinator: Harriet Dale With thanks to all the team at Ascent, including Patrick Malone, Dean Harding, Grading: Robin Pizzey Deluxe grade production: Rob Farris Effects fix: Emily Greenwood Sound producer: Hannah Mills Sound: Simon Diggins and Peter Gleaves at Goldcrest The EQUALS partnership and Annie Lennox would like to thank all the production team, cast and crew that donated their time, vision and energy in the hope of a more equal world for women and girls.
Gender i SSR, uvod Sonja Stojanovic
Otvaranje konferencije „Rod i reforma sektora bezbednosti u Srbiji" (uvodne napomene direktorke Centra za civilno-vojne odnose Sonje Stojanović)
Introduction à la reforme du secteur de la sécurité
Cette présentation donne le contexte théorique du concept de réforme du secteur de la sécurité, ainsi qu'une vue d'ensemble des efforts internationaux déployés aujourd'hui en matière de RSS.
La Sécurité Humaine et Les Attentes des Femmes des Forces de Securité- Saran Daraba Kaba
Dans cette interview vidéo, Saran Daraba Kaba, parle de ses attentes, en tant que femme et en tant que chef d'une organisation non-gouvernementale, des forces de sécurité. Elle met l'accent sur les aspects pertinents à son pays, la Guinée-Conkary et sur le continent africain en général.
Saran Daraba Kaba est la Présidente fondatrice du Réseau des Femmes du Fleuve Mano pour la Paix (REFMAP). Depuis sa création, le REFMAP a joué un rôle important en promouvant les Droits des femmes dans la sous-région de fleuve Mano (la Guinée, le Libéria et la Sierre Léone).
Le REFMAP a soutenu le processus de paix entre ces trois pays en amenant leurs chefs à la table des négociations en 2001 et a servi en tant que signataire des accords de paix au Libéria en 2003. À travers ses interventions, le REFMAP a assuré que les voix des femmes soient prises en compte et il a avancé la mise en œuvre de la Résolution 1325 du Conseil du Sécurité, en ce qui concerne en particulier l'impact de la guerre sur les femmes et leurs contributions à la résolution des conflits et de la paix durable. Ce réseau a reçu le Prix des Droits de l'Homme des Nations Unies en 2003
Saran Daraba Kaba est ancienne ministre des Affaires sociales guinéenne et vice-présidente du Conseil national des organisations de la société civile guinéenne.
Leymah Gbowee (Liberia)- Engaging the Biggest Players, Security Sector Reform
At a meeting with the staff of the Institute for Inclusive Security in Cambridge, MA in April 2011, Leymah Gbowee discussed how she used her experiences as a leader of the peace movement in Liberia to enhance her current role as a leader of West African security sector reform movements. This work has lead to her being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. To learn more about Leymah Gbowee and the Institute's work in Security Sector reform please visit www.inclusivesecurity.org.
Notebook: Pink Gang
Katie Couric discusses the Gulabi Gang, or Pink Gang in Hindi, a group of women from one of the poorest parts of India who travel to different villages to battle abuse and corruption.
States in Transition: Ensuring Equal Rights and Participation for All
The Fifth Annual Trygve Lie Symposium on Fundamental Freedoms focused on the challenges and opportunities for countries to ensure that marginalized groups, particularly women and minorities, gain equal access to political, social, and economic institutions and decision-making processes, and how to forestall manipulation by forces opposed to democracy.
The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP)
The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP), a member of the PASOS network of think tanks, is an independent research centre dedicated to advancing security of citizens and society they live in on the basis of democratic principles and respect for human rights. In the midst of Centre's interest are all policies aimed at improvement of human, national, regional, European and global security.
The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan - CLOVER-FILMS.COM (Dir. Jamie Doran 2010).m4v
Award-winning Afghan journalist Najibullah Quraishi investigates a sexual exploitation ring. The film exposes the lack of support from those in authority and explores possible responses to the plight of children in this conflict zone.
The Pink (Gulabi) Gang - India
March 2010 In Uttar Pradesh, one of the poorest and most feudal areas of India, there is a long history of patriarchy, abuse and corruption. Now, an aggressive and outspoken gang of women are fighting the system. Sampat Pal is the leader of the Gulabi, or 'Pink', Gang. This feisty crusader is making headlines with her vigilante tactics; when she isnt attacking police, she is teaching women how to wield the 'lathi' - a long, wooden staff - to protect themselves against domestic violence. With over 40000 members, the Gulabi Gang has quickly become a mass movement. Why do we have to take the law in our hands? I'll tell you. The government doesn't obey its own laws. They're making fools of everyone. The gang are on a mission to ensure that those born into the lowest caste have an education, avoid child marriages, and earn a decent wage. Mahatma Gandhi famously preached non-violence. Sampat Pal says times have changed. I salute Gandhi. He was the father of our nation. But my style is different. Produced by SBS Dateline. Distributed by Journeyman Pictures.
This is My Land: Rwanda
Visit a village in Rwanda and hear from landowners telling their story. This video documents how their lives have changed since they received a title to their own plot of land a few years ago.
UN Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)
In 2003, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1509, establishing the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). The Security Council has extended the peacekeeping mission through September 30, 2011. UNMIL disarms and reintegrates ex-combatants. UNMIL reforms the security sector. UNMIL improves the status of women. To learn more about how UN peacekeeping enhances American interests, visit www.unitedinpeacekeeping.org.
Valerie Hudson and Chad Emmett - Women's Well-Being Is the Best Predictor of State Stability
"The best predictor of a state's stability and security is the level of violence against women in society," said Texas A&M University's Valerie Hudson in this interview with ECSP. That link is "based on rigorous empirical analysis," she said. "There's something to it. It's not just political correctness Hudson is the co-author of "Sex and World Peace", which she launched with Chad Emmett (also interviewed) at the Wilson Center last month. The book is the product of 10 years of research by Hudson, Emmett, and co-authors Bonnie Ballif-Spanvill, and Mary Caprioli. In the world of gender studies, "one of the things that we quickly discovered was that anecdotes abound, but anecdotes do not add up to data," Hudson said. Read the full post on New Security Beat: www.newsecuritybeat.org
Podcasts
Libyan women want to participate in security sector reform
One of the challenges facing Libya as it builds democracy following the fall of the Muammar Qadhafi regime is the reform of the security sector.
During the uprising, a number of Libyans took up arms to confront pro-Qadhafi government forces.
After the revolution, these fighters have to be either included in the national army and other parts of the security sector or reintegrated into civilian life.
Zahra Langhi, a gender specialist and civil society consultant tells UN Radio's Derrick Mbatha that Libyan women want to participate in this process.
Women in Defence
A recording from the Royal United Services Institute podcast series, from the RUSI conference on Women in Defence. 30 November 2011. A supporting RUSI video from General Martin Dempsey (Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff)'s speech at the opening dinner of the conference is available on You Tube.
Policy and Research Papers
Post-Conflict Peacebuilding in Liberia
This publication is the result of a Seminar with participants from varied sectors of the Liberian government. Its main findings show that despite good beginnings in the security sector, several challenges in terms of prioritization, resources, training and strategizing remain. A section on the country's DDR efforts highlight the accomplishments and challenges of the program at the time (2007)Furthermore, this publication formulates a series of open questions with regards to the issues of gender sensitivity in DDR, verification of actual disarmament, reintegration of adult ex-combatants as well as the geographical imbalance of reforms.
Security Sector Reform Integrated Technical Guidance Notes
Five years after the Secretary-General's report on security sector reform (A/62/659-S/2008/39), where he advocated a more comprehensive approach to this important subject, SSR has become a core element in multidimensional peacekeeping.
It is also increasingly recognized as an integral part of conflict prevention, socioeconomic development and peacebuilding more broadly. Among member states, support for our work in security sector reform has grown steadily, not least due to our demonstrated commitment to provide a transparent forum for member states to discuss their experiences and develop and agree common approaches to security sector reform.
The United Nations is pleased to present the first volume of United Nations SSR Integrated Technical Guidance Notes (SSR ITGN). Produced through the systemwide effort undertaken in the framework of the inter-agency SSR Task Force, the ITGNs provide a body of guidance to United Nations personnel in the field and at Headquarters. The ITGNs also represent a potentially valuable source of information for national actors, and a platform from which we can launch joint initiatives with our partners, including Member States, multilateral and regional organizations and partners in the private and public sector. The ITGNs are an important part of the Organization’s efforts to provide a holistic and coherent United Nations approach to SSR.
As with all guidance documents, the ITGNs need to be tailored to the specific context of our work; they will also need to be updated regularly to reflect the evolving needs and lessons of our work and that of member states. It is envisaged hat all colleagues and partners working in this vital area will find the ITGN a useful tool, and will provide feedback and comments so that our knowledge in this evolving field can be expanded continuously.
To view this publication, please follow this link.
Tracking key conflict and security dynamics in Karamoja - an update
This report focuses on Karamoja in north-eastern Uganda. The region has long experienced serious conflict and insecurity, severe poverty and low levels of development. Communities have been involved in cycles of cattle raiding and counter-raiding, including with border communities in Kenya and South Sudan.
The report finds that the government’s assessment of improved security and successful disarmament in Karamoja does not seem to reflect the continued insecurity felt by communities and the fact that significant numbers of illegal weapons still remain in civilian hands. The report recommends that joint planning, and building trust with communities, is essential for a successful transition from the Uganda People’s Defence Force-led to police-led civilian disarmament. Furthermore, while trust in the police generally remains high, their limited presence in the region means that they often fail to effectively protect communities. Equipping and training the police will be crucial to ensure they can better serve communities throughout Karamoja.
Building on an in-depth conflict and security assessment from 2010, the report incorporates follow-up research carried out in the districts of Moroto and Napak in 2011-12. It is primarily a qualitative study, taking in the views and experiences of a range of actors including local people, security and law enforcement agencies, government officials and aid agencies. It emphasizes that local perceptions of safety and security need to guide decisions regarding civilian disarmament, security and development.
The research is part of the EU-funded ‘People’s Peacemaking Perspectives’ project, a joint initiative implemented by Conciliation Resources and Saferworld and financed under the European Commission's Instrument for Stability. The project provides European Union institutions with analysis and recommendations based on the opinions and experiences of local people in a range of countries and regions affected by fragility and violent conflict.
Find out more about the People's Peacemaking Perspectives Project
Women's Education, Conflict and Stability
Question
Women’s Education, Conflict and Stability: What international evidence exists on whether states where women are better educated are more stable and less affected by conflict?
Helpdesk response
Key findings: There are very few studies which provide empirical support to the view that cultures where women are politically, socially and economically repressed are more prone to violent conflict and instability. Furthermore, evidence for a direct relationship between the level of educational attainment amongst women and girls and the degree of fragility or stability is scarce and no studies that establish direct causality specifically between secondary education for women and fragility were identified during the period of this review.
Notwithstanding, arguments in favour of increasing access to education for women and girls’ in fragile states can be made on the basis of:
- empirical evidence that suggests that there is a correlation between gender equality and conflict;
- rights-based imperatives; and
- evidence suggesting that increasing access to education for girls is fundamental to achieving broader developmental objectives such as those outlined in the MDGs.
Furthermore, the literature asserts that education which leads to gender empowerment is as worthwhile in fragile contexts as pursuing other stabilisation objectives such as security sector reform, institutional reform and macro economic development.
Full response: http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD674.pdf
Date query received by the Helpdesk: 09 April 2010
Enquirer's contact details:
DFID
Books
Can Security Sector Reform Contribute to the Reduction of Gender-Based Violence?
The ambition of this thesis is to investigate the significance of gender issues for reforming the security sector. Further on it will be analyzed which gender-strategies are crucial for police reform and to which extent gender-sensitive police reform (GSPR) can contribute to a reduction of violence against women. The case study shall examine to which extent gender issues were integrated in GSPR in Sierra Leone. Based on these findings, this analysis will develop recommendations how gender can be integrated successfully into security sector reform. The theoretical part of this paper illustrates the concept of security sector reform and its meaning for peace-building and development. In addition, relevant dimensions and actors are introduced combined with the exemplification of influencing factors and potential obstacles. Afterwards the concept of gender is discussed, including its relevance for development cooperation as well as a description of gender-based violence and its consequences. The theoretical part concludes by merging these two concepts and illustrates the relevance and strategies of gender-sensitive police reform. The second part of this analysis focuses on gender and police reform in Sierra Leone. This chapter begins with a brief description of the civil war in Sierra Leone as well as the prevalence of gender-based violence. Afterwards the chapter analyses to which extent gender-sensitive strategies were integrated in police reform. The paper concludes with recommendations for further gender-sensitive strategies in the security sector and argues if effective police reform can reduce the emergence of gender-based violence.
Gender and development
Religion is defined by the author in terms of religious and cultural concepts. She explains the impact of religion and culture on gender and development in a patriarchal society. The assumptions, theories and philosophies related to gender and their impact on women in the development process are discussed. Gender is viewed from a historical perspective, focusing on the gendered differentiation of roles and societal expectations, and relates this to violence and HIV/AIDS, before dealing with gender within the context of development concerns. She also discusses the dominant faiths, including Hinduism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the Bahal Faith and the various religions of the Near East as well as those of ancient Greece and Rome. The study also deliberates on womens liberation movements and addresses issues of gender empowerment and development. Finally it emphasizes the needs for gender mainstreaming in all government and NGO programmes to ensure that gender concerns and imbalances are addressed. Alice P. Tuyizere teaches Religious Education Methods in the School of Education at Makerere University.
Gender and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration
As the Netherlands is becoming increasingly active in the field of DDR, this document aims at presenting a policy on DDR and gender.
Gender resource package for peacekeeping operations
Includes CD-ROM version of publication inside front cover
Gender, Human security and the United Nations
From the environment to HIV/AIDS, state and non-state actors have made a practice out of securitizing issues that are not conventionally seen as such. As most prominently demonstrated by the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2001), activists for women's rights have increasingly framed women's rights and gender inequality as security issues in an attempt to gain access to the international security agenda, particularly in the context of the United Nations. This book explores the nature and implications of the use of security language as a political framework for women, tracing and analyzing the organizational dynamics of women's activism in the United Nations system and how women have come to embrace and been impacted by the security framework, globally and locally.
Informal Justice Systems: Charting a Course for Human-Rights Based Engagement
The study seeks to identify how engagement with Informal Justice Systems (IJS) can build greater respect and protection for human rights. It highlights the considerations that development partners should have when assessing whether to implement programmes involving (IJS), the primary consideration being that engagement with the IJS neither directly nor inadvertently reinforces existing societal or structural discrimination – a consideration that applies to working with formal justice systems as well. The study also examines the value of IJS in offering, in certain contexts, flexible structures and processes, cost effectiveness and outreach to grassroots communities.
To view this publication, follow this link.
With a Case Study on Sierra Leone
The ambition of this thesis is to investigate the significance of gender issues for reforming the security sector. Further on it will be analyzed which gender-strategies are crucial for police reform and to which extent gender-sensitive police reform (GSPR) can contribute to a reduction of violence against women. The case study shall examine to which extent gender issues were integrated in GSPR in Sierra Leone. Based on these findings, this analysis will develop recommendations how gender can be integrated successfully into security sector reform. The theoretical part of this paper illustrates the concept of security sector reform and its meaning for peace-building and development. In addition, relevant dimensions and actors are introduced combined with the exemplification of influencing factors and potential obstacles. Afterwards the concept of gender is discussed, including its relevance for development cooperation as well as a description of gender-based violence and its consequences. The theoretical part concludes by merging these two concepts and illustrates the relevance and strategies of gender-sensitive police reform. The second part of this analysis focuses on gender and police reform in Sierra Leone. This chapter begins with a brief description of the civil war in Sierra Leone as well as the prevalence of gender-based violence. Afterwards the chapter analyses to which extent gender-sensitive strategies were integrated in police reform. The paper concludes with recommendations for further gender-sensitive strategies in the security sector and argues if effective police reform can reduce the emergence of gender-based violence.
Justice for Vulnerable Groups
This programme aims to support community and district mechanisms for preventing violence against women and children and to strengthen the traditional and formal justice systems to be more accountable and responsive to women, children and detainees.
This programme supports the Government and non-state actors’ response to the multiple risk factors that lead to violence and to abuse of vulnerable groups. It responds to DFID’s Business Plan priority to find new approaches to eliminating violence against women and girls and builds on DFID Malawi’s ten years’ experience with key partners in the formal and informal justice sector to:
- Strengthen existing community and district mechanisms (police and community Victim Support Units and civil society groups) to support women and children who are victims of violence and sexual abuse, including improving links to health services for rape survivors.
- Support customary courts to enable women to seek redress from domestic abuse and access land, and
- Work with key actors in the criminal justice system to ensure support for and diversion of children in contact with the law and shorten the duration of custody for pre-trial detainees.
The programme takes DFID’s Safety Security and Access to Justice programme (2007 – 11) as the starting point, with an increased focus on addressing violence against women and children, through interventions intended to prevent violence as well as to enable victims to obtain redress.