On the FrontlinesGender, War, and the Post-Conflict Process

Abstract

Gender oppression has been a feature of war and conflict throughout human history, yet until fairly recently, little attention has been devoted to addressing the consequences of violence and discrimination experienced by women in post-conflict states. Thankfully, that is changing. Today, in a variety of post-conflict settings—the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Colombia, Northern Ireland—international advocates for women’s rights have focused bringing issues of sexual violence, discrimination, and exclusion into peace-making processes. This book considers such policies in a range of cases and assesses the extent to which they have had success in improving women’s lives. It argues that there has been too little success, and that this is in part a product of a focus on schematic policies like straightforward political incorporation rather than a broader and deeper attempt to alter the cultures and societies that are at the root of much of the violence and exclusions experienced by women. The book contends that this broader approach would not just benefit women, however. Gender mainstreaming and increased gender equality has a direct correlation with state stability and functions to preclude further conflict. If we are to have any success in stabilizing failing states, gender needs to move to fore of our efforts. With this in mind, the book examines the efforts of transnational organizations, states, and civil society in multiple jurisdictions to place gender at the forefront of all post-conflict processes. The book offers concrete analysis and practical solutions to ensuring gender centrality in all aspects of peace making and peace enforcement.

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