DCHA/CMM continues to develop packages of technical assistance in a number of critical focus areas that are related to conflict, fragility, instability and extremism. These "Guides" explain the connections between the focus area and conflict, fragility, etc, and aim to provide USAID missions with access to concrete, practical program options, lessons learned, and information about potential partners, mechanisms and monitoring and evaluation tools for implementing more effective conflict programs. The latest is Women and Conflict: An Introductory Guide to Programming- details and download link are below.
Today, civil strife and conflict affect two-thirds of the countries in which USAID works. Violence against women and children in conflict and transition countries has emerged as a major concern. Attention to the different experiences of women and men is particularly critical in designing successful conflict management and peace-building programs.
While conflict inflicts suffering on everyone, women are particularly affected by its short- and long-term effects. Sexual assault and exploitation are frequently employed as tools of war; victimization leads to isolation, alienation, prolonged emotional trauma, and unwanted pregnancies that often result in abandoned children. As culturally-designated caregivers, women must struggle to support their families and keep their households together while the traditional bread-winners – husbands and sons – are caught up in the fighting and are unable to provide for their families. The new role as primary provider exposes many women to further abuse. Conflict shatters the comfort of predictable daily routines and expectations. Women and girls are equally affected in a fragile environment where social services they once depended on degrade or disappear. Although conflict may, in some cases, improve gender relations as a result of shifts in gender roles - some changes even improve women’s rights - by and large its impact on women is devastatingly negative.
This introductory guide describes the ways in which conflict and fragility may increase gender inequities and suggests programming approaches that address these issues while building on the strengths of women. With this guide, DCHA/CMM aims to both raise awareness among USAID Mission employees of issues surrounding women and conflict, and to assist USAID by integrating conflict and gender concerns.
Women & Conflict, An Introductory Guide to Programming