Mines Action Canada March 2010

Women, War & Peace March 8 is the International Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. Women and men, girls and boys are affected differently during conflict and post- conflict situations. Landmines and cluster bombs impact on women and men differently.

Gender and victim-activated weapons The 2008 Landmine Monitor reported 5,426 casualties. –71% were civilians –48% of civilian casualties were men (where gender was known) –46% of civilian casualties were children The definition of “victim” includes direct survivors (mostly men) and those (mostly women) living with, depending on and becoming caregivers of survivors.

Gender and victim-activated weapons Specific livelihood activities put women at particular risk –tending animals (Yemen) –collecting wood and water (Democratic Republic of Congo) Women mostly stay at or near home. Men are exposed to vast areas of land as farmers, deminers or migrant workers.

Gender and victim-activated weapons Due to gender inequalities in victim assistance, women receive less immediate health care, resulting in a higher fatality rate for women (43%) than for men (29%). Men and women have unequal access to land that has been cleared from landmines. Injured women face greater risks of stigmatization, isolation and poverty.

Gender and victim-activated weapons There are a number of all-female demining teams in countries like Sri Lanka, Sudan and Cambodia. Women have been leaders in the international movement to ban landmines: Princess Diana, Jody Williams, ICBL staff. MAC’s Youth Leadership, Education and Action Program trains young women and men from affected and non- affected countries to be social justice leaders.

Women, War & Peace: What you can do Organize an event (vigil, faith service, dinner party) to commemorate the impact of war and victim-activated weapons on women. Host an “Others’ Mothers Day” tea as a fundraiser for MAC. Tune into MAC’s March webcast of women making a difference in disarmament!