Gender and Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration

Abstract

Processes of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) seek to improve the security and stability of post-conflict societies. This chapter explores a gender-focused approach to DDR that has three primary components: conducting gender analyses of standards of support for women in DDR programs; prioritizing parallel programs for women; and demilitarizing masculinity and femininity. Historical difficulties in establishing DDR programs that respond to the needs of women are explained by four challenges: exclusion of women due to restrictive definitions of “combatants”; programming that does not reflect the specific experiences of women; a reluctance to look beyond traditional DDR programs toward alternates; and a failure to address the militarized masculinities of male combatants. The chapter concludes by suggesting that DDR programs move toward a “portfolio view.” This would allow participants greater flexibility to choose the programming that best meets their needs by providing participants a menu of options.

Engaging with men and masculinities in fragile and conflict-affected states

“…Although often the vast majority of those being reintegrated are men, and in some cases boys, work on their particular gendered needs or on transforming masculinities has mostly been absent. In terms of integrating gender in DDR processes, the focus has been narrowly on women ex-combatants, and often conducted superficially (see also Mazurana & Eckerbom, 2012;Shekhawat, 2015;UN Women, 2009). This common oversight can contribute to ineffective implementation of a DDR process, as many of the issues faced by former combatants, and the resentment that may arise after reintegration, are closely linked to particular gender norms and expectations.…”

Pitfall to Peace: FARC’s Political Participation and Mass Support for Peace Talks in Colombia

“…Specifically, and building on related research (e.g. Arnould, 2016;Mazurana et al, 2017;Patel et al, 2009), our central premise is that support for the integration of ex-combatants into democratic politics is a crucial, yet unappreciated, driver of citizen support for negotiated peace. Furthermore, attitudes towards political integration have an impact independent of attitudes towards transitional justice (TJ) mechanisms often adopted concomitantly.…”

Violent Extremist Disengagement and Reintegration: Lessons from Over 30 Years of DDR

“…Research on DDR demonstrates that gender considerations are essential for success 361 and should be enshrined in peace settlements and relevant legal frameworks. 362 Historically, DDR has priori-tized male ex-combatants over women and children, 363 and initial programs failed to consider the needs of women and girls altogether. 364 The same is true of VEDR.…”

“…378 Some women are forcibly married within armed groups and, in certain communities, divorce or prior marriages are not "legally or socially sanctioned." 379 In the DRC, it was assumed all female ex-combatants were sexually abused and had sexually transmitted disease. 380 In Sri Lanka, women who returned home were automatically assumed to have engaged in violence and were suspected of being sexually abused.…”