Post-conflict Reconstruction

The post-conflict transitional phase encompasses all recovery and development efforts, ranging from security and governance to transitional justice and socio-economic development. Active involvement of women in all structures and phases of this process is a prerequisite to success.

However, the post-conflict environment often gives way to a resurgence of traditional roles, particularly when the tasks and positions assumed by women during the conflict are re-claimed by men returning from war. While peace agreements are beginning to contain provisions for women’s participation and recognition of their needs, resources and resolve rarely back progressive language.

Given the role of the international community and, in some cases, the existence of new national commitments to women, reconstruction provides an opportunity to move towards gender equality. Women’s full participation in reconstruction can shape emerging structures and policies, and it is essential to harness sufficient donor funds to support this effort. How these resources affect women’s lives will depend on many factors: The volume of aid, its timing and channels of distribution, its intended purpose and the conditions attached to it.

From the Library