Gender mainstreaming unraveled: the case of DDRR in Liberia

In: International interactions: empirical and theoretical research in international relations, Volume 39, Issue 4, p. 535-557

Abstract

In the past women have been excluded from peace initiatives.. - However, with the advent of UNSCR 1325 (2000) women's agency. - in the process has been heightened through a new framework for. - involvement. UNSCR 1325 is a policy document that acknowledges. - the link between women, peace, and security and uses. - gender mainstreaming as a mechanism to implement its objectives.. - Yet in spite of its policy advancements, over a decade later. - women still do not participate equally in peace and security initiatives. - that impact on the sustainability of peace. This article. - aims to explore the context of this framework through considerations. - of the gender mainstreaming provision in the disarmament,. - demobilization, rehabilitation, and reintegration (DDRR) process. - in Liberia. Using interviews with women associated with fighting. - forces (WAFFs)/ex-combatants the article argues that although. - there was a specific targeted focus showing some gender responsive. - design and coordination, WAFFs'/ex-combatants' unique needs,. - especially those of a social and psychological nature, were poorly. - addressed. In addition, the commentary shows that the focus did. - not attend to structural inequality issues such as sexual and gender. - based violence (SGBV). (International Interactions (London)/ FUB)