Two main rationales for the integration of gender sensitive approaches in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) recur across the literature. First, the normative argument notes the intrinsic importance of gender equality for the achievement of human rights (Greenberg & Zuckerman, 2009). Second, the instrumentalist argument emphasises the value of gender equality for conflict prevention, conflict transformation, peacebuilding and the achievement of broader development outcomes (OECD, 2013a; Harders, 2011). Much of the literature draws attention to the significance of gender sensitivity in FCAS for aid effectiveness.
It is argued that all forms of collective and individual violence are gendered processes and that conflict dynamics influence and recreate masculinities and perpetuate women’s disadvantage (OECD, 2013a). Understanding gender dynamics is vital for avoiding unintended negative consequences, or inadvertently doing harm to gender relations in situations of conflict (OECD, 2013a; Anderlini, 2011). Gender-blind programming might unintentionally worsen women’s status. Aligning aid with locally legitimate institutions, for example, could reinforce discriminatory practices, and promoting women’s rights may create a backlash against them (OECD, 2013a). On the other hand, gender analysis can identify opportunities to reshape gender relations, particularly in the formative stages of statebuilding.
- Anderlini, S. (2011). World development report gender background paper. Washington DC: World Bank
See full text - Greenberg, M., & Zuckerman, E. (2009). The gender dimensions of post-conflict reconstruction: The challenges of development aid. In T. Addison & T. Brück (Eds.), Making peace work: The challenges of social and economic reconstruction. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
See full text - Harders, C. (2011). Gender relations, violence, and conflict transformation. In Berghof handbook for conflict transformation. Berghof Foundation
See full text - OECD. (2013a). Why integrate a gender perspective into state-building? In Gender and statebuilding in fragile and conflict-affected states (chapter 1). Paris: OECD Publishing.
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