Parallel Sessions I

C) Political Conflict and Women´s Security (EADI Working Group on Gender and Development, SID Europe)

Conveners:

Joy Clancy, EADI Working Group on Gender and Development
Irna van der Molen, EADI Working Group on Gender and Development
Gudrun Lachenmann, EADI Working Group on Gender and Development
Wendy Harcourt, SID International

Chair:

Isa Baud Amsterdam Institute for Metropolitan and International Development Studies, Netherlands tbc

Speakers:

Bernadette Muthien, Engender, Cape Town, South Africa
Olena Suslova, Women's Information Consultative Centre, Kiev, Ukraine
Wendy Harcourt, SID International, Italy

Abstract:

The Panel 'Political Conflict and Women's Security' will examine the impact of different forms of political conflict (the growing militarisation and escalation of different forms of violence globally) as a major issue for all concerned with development and human security. Violence is growing globally but most harmfully in economically vulnerable countries of the South. It is pushing back the developmental agenda and people's health and well-being. People's insecurity and lack of well-being are exacerbated by the collapse and subversion of democratic institutions, unfavourable state policies and practices, unfair economic globalisation, and a distorted culture of consumerism.

These political conflicts have impacted much harder on women and girls in poor regions of the world as livelihoods and incomes are threatened and families are broken up. Gender oppression and violence is now a noted concern in many of the conflicts. Economic and social insecurity can compel women to engage in transactional sex to secure their lives or those of their families, escape to safety or gain access to shelter or services, including the distribution of food.

But it is not only the immediate issue of the violence which will be the focus of the panel (horrific as it is, whether it is women or men who are the perpetrators): it is also the longer terms processes of economic, social and cultural disruption. Essential services such as education and health care, including reproductive health, are interrupted or unavailable. The very process of livelihoods becomes threatened. In all forms of conflict - military, ethnic, religious, tribal, caste and communal - gender relations have shifted. There is a clear shrinking of the space available for women to exercise their already-limited rights. Patriarchal and structural conditions also compound the complexity as women actively or by default participate in subjugating or limiting other women.

The panel will examine this broad background to women's insecurity in political conflict situations as well as looking at how women are actors in the conflict, not just victims, indeed often leaders. The panel will look at the mechanisms women have developed to cope with the conflict, its prevention and resolution. Another issue to be addressed is how the international development community has taken up the issue of women in conflict and in post conflict situations by bringing women's experiences, networking and mobilising efforts into main stream conflict resolution and peace processes.
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