Abstract:We examine how an unassuming domestic technology-the fuelefficient stove-came to be construed as an effective tool for reducing sexual violence globally. Highlighting the process of problematization, the linking of problems with actionable solutions, we show how US-based humanitarian advocacy organizations drew upon spatial, gender, perpetrator, racial, and interventionist representations to advance the notion that "stoves reduce rape" in Darfur. Though their effectiveness in Darfur remains questionable, effic… Show more
“…Nevertheless, a number of the humanitarian aid workers we spoke to feel dissatisfied with the gap between material aid and the ‘real issues’ at stake. In line with Abdelnour and Saeed's () critique of the ‘rape‐stove panacea’, a human rights professional working for an international human rights organization in Nairobi stated that: There is no accountability for protection issues, the international NGOs do not focus on this but the donors do not either. Instead, there are very reactive measures taken, such as street lights, firewood‐efficient stoves and such.…”
Section: International Protection Mechanisms and The Importance Of Momentioning
This article aims to contribute to an increased understanding of the importance of migration in humanitarian and 'post-humanitarian' contexts, by exploring the interlinkages between protection and displacement. It argues that the strategies by which conflict-displaced populations protect themselves are largely based on mobility. Yet, humanitarian approaches to displaced populations do not take sufficient account of the mobility needs of those they assist. Furthermore, the actual location at which aid is provided is affected by funding realities and donor priorities. This article discusses the case of protracted displacement realities of Somali refugees and internally displaced people in Kenya, Somaliland and south-central Somalia. Based on in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with humanitarian aid workers and displaced people, the article offers an analysis of the recent 'stabilization discourse' that fuels programming directed at the return of displaced Somalis. The authors argue that humanitarian protection is compromised by immobile aid practices and by humanitarian programmes that are guided by states' interest in refugee return.
“…Nevertheless, a number of the humanitarian aid workers we spoke to feel dissatisfied with the gap between material aid and the ‘real issues’ at stake. In line with Abdelnour and Saeed's () critique of the ‘rape‐stove panacea’, a human rights professional working for an international human rights organization in Nairobi stated that: There is no accountability for protection issues, the international NGOs do not focus on this but the donors do not either. Instead, there are very reactive measures taken, such as street lights, firewood‐efficient stoves and such.…”
Section: International Protection Mechanisms and The Importance Of Momentioning
This article aims to contribute to an increased understanding of the importance of migration in humanitarian and 'post-humanitarian' contexts, by exploring the interlinkages between protection and displacement. It argues that the strategies by which conflict-displaced populations protect themselves are largely based on mobility. Yet, humanitarian approaches to displaced populations do not take sufficient account of the mobility needs of those they assist. Furthermore, the actual location at which aid is provided is affected by funding realities and donor priorities. This article discusses the case of protracted displacement realities of Somali refugees and internally displaced people in Kenya, Somaliland and south-central Somalia. Based on in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with humanitarian aid workers and displaced people, the article offers an analysis of the recent 'stabilization discourse' that fuels programming directed at the return of displaced Somalis. The authors argue that humanitarian protection is compromised by immobile aid practices and by humanitarian programmes that are guided by states' interest in refugee return.
“…Technological innovations should not be viewed as apolitical or neutral solutions to complex humanitarian problems. The introduction of certain technological solutions to security problems may well rely on oversimplifications of humanitarian challenges, thereby ignoring the complex environments in which humanitarians operate (see Abdelnour and Saeed 2014). Beyond practical questions as the legal and operational consequences of using humanitarian technologies (Meier 2011;Qadir et al 2016), there are more fundamental problems with viewing a technological solution as the application of a neutral "fix" for a variety of problems (Jacobsen 2015).…”
This article presents the results of an exploratory study into aid agencies' use of technologies for security purposes. Since there appears to be a consensus in the aid sector that areas of operations are increasingly dangerous, aid agencies are upgrading their security strategies by adopting technological innovations. I conducted Skype interviews with security managers and country directors responsible for operations in dangerous countries. These interviews show that humanitarian technologies are more and more used in volatile countries for security reasons. In this light, I empirically assess the critique of some academics (1) that risks are not mitigated but transferred to more vulnerable actors, (2) that technology is not a neutral fix but has local political repercussions, and (3) that international and national aid workers grow increasingly distant from their local counterparts and the people they aim to help. This article contributes to the literature by critically re-evaluating and nuancing these critiques.
“…43 Despite its questionable impact, stove or firewood provision remains a major approach by humanitarian organisations to increase safety and decrease exposure to SV. 51 However, one project, in a Sudanese displaced persons camp, showed a promising approach, which included the formation of a women-led firewood patrol committee. Regular meetings of these women allowed them to discuss any safety concerns and it increased trust, problem-solving skills and ultimately women's safety.…”
Continuing international conflict has resulted in several million people seeking asylum in other countries each year, over half of whom are women. Their reception and security in overburdened camps, combined with limited information and protection, increases their risk and exposure to sexual violence (SV). This literature review explores the opportunities to address SV against female refugees, with a particular focus on low-resource settings. A systematic literature review of articles published between 2000 and 2016 was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases including Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Scopus, PsychINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library. Grey literature from key refugee websites were searched. Studies were reviewed for quality and analysed according to the framework outlined in the UNHCR Guidelines on Prevention and Response of Sexual Violence against Refugees. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 7 studies addressed prevention, 14 studies response and 8 addressed both. There are limited numbers of rigorously evaluated SV prevention and response interventions available, especially in the context of displacement. However, emerging evidence shows that placing a stronger emphasis on programmes in the category of engagement/participation and training/education has the potential to target underlying causes of SV. SV against female refugees is caused by factors including lack of information and gender inequality. This review suggests that SV interventions that engage community members in their design and delivery, address harmful gender norms through education and advocacy, and facilitate strong cooperation between stakeholders, could maximise the efficient use of limited resources.
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