Publication: Demobilization and Reintegration Programs : Addressing Gender Issues
Date
2001-06
ISSN
Published
2001-06
Author(s)
Nathalie de Watteville
Abstract
Women have always participated to some
extent in combat, but several recent wars have seen them
fighting on the front lines. And while the roles of female
excombatants vary widely, the women seem to share one
unfortunate characteristic: limited access to benefits when
peace and demobilization come. This is also true for girls
abducted for sexual services and the families of
ex-combatants in the receiving community. These groups are
often neglected during demobilization and reintegration; or
at best, women, men, boys, and girls may receive equal
benefits but are treated as a homogenous group, which
prevents their specific needs from being addressed. Some
think that the first objective of a DRP (Demobilization and
Reintegration Program) is to have a positive impact on the
peace dividend. Another goal often mentioned is the
reduction of military expenditures for budgetary reasons.
However, others argue that the DRP objectives should be to
assist vulnerable excombatans.
Citation
“Nathalie de Watteville. 2001. Demobilization and Reintegration Programs : Addressing Gender Issues. Africa Region Findings & Good Practice Infobriefs; No. 227. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/ec4bc49d-aefa-591c-95eb-d8706e0d3509 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”