1. Gender Focal Point Network Training & Orientation
Integrating gender equality considerations in activities for post-conflict and post-disaster situations
By Jane Freedman
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

2. Why gender analysis is important for PCPD situations
Differing vulnerabilities of women and men both to armed conflicts and natural disasters
Different impacts of conflicts and disasters on women and men
Changing nature of gender relations during and after conflict or disaster
Varying needs of women and men in post-conflict period
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

3. Possible GE dimensions of various stages of conflict Pre-conflict:
Event
Possible impacts
Increased mobilization of soldiers
Increased commercial sex trade around military bases
Nationalist propaganda used to increase support for military action
Gender stereotypes and specific definitions or masculinity & femininity are often promoted
Mobilisation of pro-peace activists and organizations
Women have been active in peace movements – both generally and in women-specific organizations
Increasing human rights violations
Women’s rights are not always recognized as human rights. Gender-based violence may increase
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

4. During conflict (1) Event Possible impacts
Psychological trauma, physical violence, casualties & death
Men tend to be the primary soldiers/combatants. Yet, in various conflicts, women have made up significant numbers of combatants. Women & girls are often victims of sexual violence
Social networks disrupted and destroyed – changes in family structures and composition
Gender relations can be subject to stress and change. Survival strategies often necessitate changes in the gender division of labour. Women may become responsible for an increased number of dependants.
Mobilization of people for conflict. Every day life & work disrupted
With men’s mobilization for combat, women have often taken over traditionally male occupations and responsibilities.
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

5. During conflict (2) Possible impacts Event
Women’s role as provider of the every day needs of the family may mean increased stress & work as basic goods are more difficult to locate. Non-combatant men may also experience stress related to their domestic gender roles if they are unable to provide for their family
Material shortages (shortages of food, health care, water, fuel, etc.)
Creation of refugees and displaced people
Women and men refugees often have different needs and priorities
Dialogue and peace negotiations
Women are often excluded from formal discussions given their lack of participation and access in pre-conflict decision-making organizations and institutions.
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

6. Post-conflict (1) Event Possible impacts
Political negociations and planning to implement peace accords
Women’s and men’s participation in these processed tend to vary, with women often playing only minor roles in formal negotiations or policy making.
Use of outside investigators, peacekeepers, etc.
Officials are not generally trained in gender equality issues (women’s rights, how to recognize and deal with gender-based violence)
Holding of elections
Women face specific obstacles in voting, in standing for election and in having gender equality issues discussed as election issues.
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

7. Post-conflict (2) Event Possible impacts
Internation investments in employment creation, health care, etc.
Reconstruction programmes may not recognize or give priority to supporting women’s and girls’ health needs, domestic responsibilities or needs for skills training and credit
Demobilization of combatants
Combatants are often assumed to be all male. If priority is granted to young men, women do not benefit from land allocations, credit schemes, etc.
Measures to increase the capacity of and confidence in civil society
Women’s participation in community organizations and NGOs is generally uneven. These organizations often lack the capacity and interest in granting priority to equality issues.
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

8. Some UNESCO Gender Activities in PCPD (1)
Establishment of research and documentation centres
Already established centres in Ramallah and Kinshasa
Objectives include capacity building for production of policy-oriented research; gender education and training; and advocacy
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

9. Some UNESCO Gender Activities in PCPD (2)
Prevention of sexual and gender-based violence
Research on fundamental causes of SGBV
Engagement of men and boys in prevention
Training and education for SGBV prevention
Empowering young women
Promoting women’s participation in reconstruction
Training programmes for women peacemakers/negotiators/politicians
Lobbying and advocacy (using UN Security Council Resolutions)
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

10. Some UNESCO Gender Activities in PCPD (3)
Sector activities examples:
Women’s and girl’s education in PCPD countries
Training of women journalists
Others
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

11. Questions / discussion PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY
We welcome your suggestions and inputs for jointly developing our gender focused activities in PCPD situations
Thank you!
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

12. PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY
ANNEX 1
UN Security Council Resolution 1325: Women as Active Agents in Peace and Security
Recognizes the need to :
Incorporate gender sensitivity and include women in approaches on security and peace-building especially those affected by the conflict
Sensitize peacekeepers, the police and judiciary on gender issues in conflict and adopt measures to ensure the protection and adherence to the human rights of women and girls
Ensure that the special needs of women and girls in conflicts are attended to
Support an increased role for women as military observers, civilian police, humanitarian and human rights observers
Have women represented from communities who have experienced armed conflict to have their voices heard in conflict resolution processes and be a part of all decision-making levels as an equal partner for conflict resolution, prevention and sustainable peace
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY

13. ANNEX 2 Security Council Resolutions Reinforcing SCR 1325
SCR 1820 on Sexual Violence, 2008
SCR 1888 Creation of Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, 2009
SCR 1889 Mandate for Monitoring and Evaluation of the initiatives for women, peace and security, 2009
SCR 1960 Reinforcing commitments to preceding SCRs especially SCR 1888, 2010
PRIORITY GENDER EQUALITY