Post-Conflict Reconstruction - Publications
Publications Relevant to Other Peace and Security Issues2010
Gender Symposia During Donor Conferences: A Model to Guarantee Women Leaders A Voice in Setting Priorities for Reconstruction (July 2010 Update)Publication Date: July 2010
Authors: Carla Koppell with
Jacqueline O'Neill
Abstract: Despite women’s central importance to reconstruction, they are regularly marginalized by the donor assistance pledging process. A gender symposium held in conjunction with an international donor conference can help provide women and civil society with a voice in reconstruction. In conjunction with recent donor conferences for Afghanistan, Liberia and Sudan, Inclusive Security organized gender symposia that focused attention on female leaders and on women’s needs and priorities in reconstruction. This policy brief assesses those symposia and offers recommendations for replicating their success. (8 pages)
2009
Gender Symposia During Donor Conferences: A Model to Guarantee Women Leaders a Voice in Setting Priorities for Reconstruction
Publication Date: November 2009
Authors: Carla Koppell with Jacqueline O'Neill
Abstract: Despite women’s central importance to reconstruction, they are regularly marginalized by the donor assistance pledging process. A gender symposium held in conjunction with an international donor conference can help provide women and civil society with a voice in reconstruction. In conjunction with recent donor conferences for Liberia and Sudan, Inclusive Security organized gender symposia that focused attention on female leaders and on women’s needs and priorities in reconstruction. This policy brief assesses those symposia and offers recommendations for replicating their success. (6 pages)
Inclusive Security: A Curriculum for Women Waging Peace (available for purchase)
Publication Date: January 2009
Authors: Miki Jacevic, Tobie Whitman, Allison Shean
Abstract: This unique tool draws on more than a decade of original research and training by The Institute for Inclusive Security and accomplished women peace builders from areas including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Colombia, Haiti, Iraq, Israel & Palestine, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, and Sudan. Eight modules contain training plans, activity guides, PowerPoint presentations with lecture notes, videos, and role-playing exercises that simulate real-world peace processes. It is designed for experienced trainers and is structured to foster strong coalitions, to enhance problem-solving abilities, to bolster confidence, and, most significantly, to result in a concrete agenda for advancing women’s participation in peace and security. (Bound curriculum modules, appendices, lecture notes, role-play cards, multimedia on DVD)
2008
Combating Gender-Based Violence
Publication Date: 2008
Authors: Jessica Gomez
Abstract: Widespread gender-based violence is common during and after armed conflict. Often, this pattern corresponds to a deficiency in the institutional mechanisms and rule of law meant to prevent and punish such crimes. Because women legislators frequently spearhead efforts to address gender-based violence, increasing their roles in government can be instrumental to combating the problem. Part of a series that builds on a three-year field program on the role of women in Rwanda, this policy brief provides policymakers, donors, and program planners with strategies for the consolidation of democracy in post-conflict societies. (2 pages) (available in French)
Defending Children's Rights: The Legislative Priorities of Rwandan Women Parliamentarians
Publication Date: April 2008
Authors: Elizabeth Powley
Abstract: Inclusion of women in national legislatures has had positive policy outcomes for children and families. Global analyses, and the Rwanda case in particular, indicate that female legislators are more likely to prioritize issues such as family health and welfare, and the defense of children’s rights. This publication draws on extensive interviews with parliamentarians and others, as well as content analysis of local newspapers and participant observation research by the author, who directed a three-year women’s leadership project in the country. The publication both describes the role and progress of women in Rwanda’s transitional parliament, constitution drafting process, and 2003 parliamentary elections; and outlines the steps female parliamentarians have taken to address the needs and rights of children through three pieces of legislation. (24 pages plus endnotes)
Designing Programs to Increase Women’s Participation in Local Government
Publication Date: 2008
Author: Jessica Gomez
Abstract: Devolving authority from central to local government offers a critical opportunity to ensure wider representation and improve post-conflict democracy. When elected, female officials in particular can enhance the legitimacy of local government, improve service delivery, and facilitate communication with the local population. Yet too often women are not given the information, training, and support necessary to run successfully for office. Part of a series that builds on a three-year field program on the role of women in Rwanda, this policy brief provides policymakers, donors, and program planners with strategies for the consolidation of democracy in post-conflict societies. (2 pages) (available in French)
Engendering Rwanda's Decentralization: Supporting Women Candidates for Local Office
Publication Date: April 2008
Author: Elizabeth Powley
Abstract: In May 2003 Rwanda ratified a constitution that established a 30 percent quota for women’s participation in all “decision-making organs.” Quotas like this are of critical importance for increasing women’s representation in local government. The interpretation of those quotas, however, is equally important. This publication presents a review of the literature on women and local government, outlines the ongoing decentralization process in Rwanda, and shows how Inclusive Security’s training program helped prepare women to overcome obstacles to their participation that remain despite the quota. (22 pages plus endnotes)
Fostering Citizen Participation in the Development of Legislation
Publication Date: 2008
Authors: Jessica Gomez and Carla Koppell
Abstract: Participatory processes are critical to improving governance in post-conflict countries. Involving the public in creating legislation increases a government’s legitimacy and the likelihood that nascent democracies remain stable and continue to develop. Yet post-conflict societies, especially those unaccustomed to democracy, require extra support to open legislative and other policymaking processes. Part of a series that builds on a three-year field program on the role of women in Rwanda, this policy brief provides policymakers, donors, and program planners with strategies for the consolidation of democracy in post-conflict societies. (2 pages) (available in French)
Increasing Women’s Participation in Local Government
Publication Date: 2008
Author: Jessica Gomez
Abstract: Devolving authority from central to local authorities can enhance government’s legitimacy and increase its accountability to citizens. Moreover, the process of decentralization can facilitate the democratic participation of groups that are frequently marginalized within formal governing structures. Women are one such group, and their policy priorities often include the issues that affect their families’ daily lives: healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Increasing the number of women in local leadership therefore can enhance the provision of basic services and improve citizens’ perception of government. Part of a series that builds on a three-year field program on the role of women in Rwanda, this policy brief provides policymakers, donors, and program planners with strategies for the consolidation of democracy in post-conflict societies. (2 pages) (available in French)
Promoting Children’s Welfare: Legislative Strategies
Publication Date: 2008
Author: Jessica Gomez
Abstract: Children are often the segment of the population most affected by poverty, food insecurity, and the lack of health and social services that characterize post-conflict countries. Women’s leadership, however, can improve children’s lives. When women achieve a critical mass in legislatures and local government, they prioritize investment in children’s welfare. Part of a series that builds on a three-year field program on the role of women in Rwanda, this policy brief provides policymakers, donors, and program planners with strategies for the consolidation of democracy in post-conflict societies. (2 pages) (available in French)
Promoting Male/Female Collaboration in Legislatures
Publication Date: 2008
Authors: Jessica Gomez and Carla Koppell
Abstract: Women are capturing an increasing share of seats in post-conflict legislatures around the world. Evidence indicates that they are vital to ensuring that countries make necessary social investments in children’s and women’s rights, health care, and education; however, these lawmakers are more likely to succeed when they collaborate with male counterparts and when issues are framed as concerns to both sexes. Thus, the international community can help consolidate democracies by fostering alliances among male and female legislators. Part of a series that builds on a three-year field program on the role of women in Rwanda, this policy brief provides policymakers, donors, and program planners with strategies for the consolidation of democracy in post-conflict societies. (2 pages) (available in French)
Strengthening Post-Conflict Legislatures
Publication Date: 2008
Authors: Jessica Gomez and Carla Koppell
Abstract: Productive, strong legislatures are central to healthy democracies in post-conflict countries, fostering political pluralism and acting as a check on the executive branch. Yet too often, following a conflict, parliaments are weakened by internal divisiveness, the limited experience and skill of members, staffing shortages, and an overwhelming legislative agenda. Increasing women’s representation in government can strengthen legislatures. Part of a series that builds on a three-year field program on the role of women in Rwanda, this policy brief provides policymakers, donors, and program planners with strategies for the consolidation of democracy in post-conflict societies. (2 pages) (available in French)
Demonstrating Legislative Leadership: The Introduction of Rwanda's Gender-Based Violence Bill
Publication Date: April 2008
Author: Elizabeth Pearson
Abstract: In August 2006, members of Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies debated the landmark “Draft Law on Prevention, Protection and Punishment of Any Gender Based Violence.” Importantly, the bill—developed by Rwanda’s Forum of Rwandan Women Parliamentarians (FFRP) over a two-year process of public involvement—was the first substantive piece of legislation developed by the legislature since its election in 2003. This publication presents a detailed account of the development of this GBV law and examines the consultative approach of the FFRP, which suggests the emergence of a new model of governance in Rwanda. (36 pages plus endnotes)
2007
Inclusive Security, Sustainable Peace: A Toolkit for Advocacy and Action
Publication Date: November 2004, updated December 2007
Authors: Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, Nicola Johnston, Judy El-Bushra, Camille Pampell Conaway, Lisa Kays, Jolynn Shoemaker, Elizabeth Powley, Kelly Fish, Ancil Adrian-Paul, Gillian Lobo, Guillermo Suarez Sebastian, Mebrak Tareke
Abstract: The Toolkit is a resource for women peace builders and practitioners to effectively promote peace and security. Inclusive Security and International Alert collaborated to produce the Toolkit, published in November 2004, which outlines the components of peace building from conflict prevention to post-conflict reconstruction, highlights the role that women play in each phase, and is directed to women peace builders and the policy community. The toolkit was updated in December 2007. (327 pages including endnotes and appendices) (selected portions available in Arabic, French, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish)
2005
From Rhetoric to Reality: Afghan Women on the Agenda for Peace
Publication Date: February 2005
Author: Masuda Sultan
Abstract: The Emergency Loya Jirga in Afghanistan in June 2002 began an advance in women’s rights. The new constitution adopted in December 2003 affirmed that women are equal to men; it also allocates 25 percent of seats in the lower house of parliament to women. The creation of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA) marked a symbolic turning point for Afghan women, but the organization has yet to fulfill its promise. This publication provides an overview of women’s initiatives and activities in Afghanistan and examines the effectiveness of the international community’s decision to emphasize women’s rights and participation in advancing the status and role of women in Afghanistan. It makes the case that because women can foster stability and be a force for moderation, women’s capacity must be further strengthened and their rights must not be bargained away. (35 pages plus endnotes)
Moving Beyond Silence: Women Waging Peace
Publication Date: 2005
Author: Swanee Hunt
Around the globe, women play a vital but often unrecognized role in averting violence and resolving conflict. With expertise in grassroots activism, political leadership, investigative journalism, human rights law, military reform, formal and information negotiations, transitional justice, and post-conflict reconstruction, these women bring new approaches to the security sphere process. Sustainable peace, and therefore international security, depends on such innovations. But scholarship regarding the work of women peace builders is scarce and women’s work in the field of security is largely unrecognized at the institutional and public policy levels. This chapter of Listening to the Silences: Women and War lays out the case for women’s inclusion in peace building, examples of women’s peace efforts around the world, as well as challenges and successes in connecting such women to policymakers to create a new model of ‘inclusive security.’ (21 pages)
2004
Adding Value: Women's Contributions to Reintegration and Reconstruction in El Salvador
Publication Date: January 2004
Authors: Camille Pampell Conaway and Salome Martinez
Abstract: Nearly 4,500 women, recognized as members of the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), participated in El Salvador’s demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration (DDR) program following the 1992 ceasefire. Women contributed in a variety of ways to the program’s success. For example, women leaders from the FMLN ensured that women received the land they were granted by the nation’s land transfer program, the Programa de Transferencia de Tierra (PTT). The El Salvadoran DDR process demonstrates that women are a vital component of success for any society’s reintegration efforts. This report revisits the Salvadoran DDR program from the perspective of women and assesses how a gender perspective can improve such programs worldwide. (26 pages plus endnotes)
Good Governance from the Ground Up: Women's Roles in Post-Conflict Cambodia
Publication Date: March 2004
Authors: Laura McGrew, Kate Frieson, Sambath Chan
Abstract: Women are spearheading Cambodia’s transformation to democracy. During the years when the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia watched over the nation’s progress, women jumped at the chance to aid in reconstruction. They aimed to make the process of drafting a new constitution more inclusive, and they rallied to help ensure peaceful elections following violent campaign periods. Today, women compose the majority of Cambodians with experience in conflict management and peace building. This publication traces women’s contributions to governance and peace through local and national politics as well as civil society; examines the significance of gender perspectives to the promotion of good governance; and reflects on mechanisms enhancing women’s participation in the political arena. (30 pages plus endnotes) (executive summary available)
2003
Building a New Iraq: Women's Role in Reconstruction
Publication Date: November 2003
Author: Annemarie Brennan. Cosponsored with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Abstract: The Wilson Center and Inclusive Security, along with the World Bank and the American Bar Association, hosted 20 women in Washington DC for the conference “Building a New Iraq: Women’s Role in Reconstruction.” The results of their visit, summarized in this report, include a series of findings and conclusions to ensure that women play a substantive role in Iraq’s reconstruction, including in the drafting of the constitution, progress towards sovereignty, and preparation for elections. (5 pages)
Strengthening Governance: The Role of Women in Rwanda's Transition
Publication Date: October 2003
Author: Elizabeth Powley
Abstract: Nine years after the end of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda still faces challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and HIV/AIDS. However, the country has made strides toward establishing a democratic society. Having made several important contributions to their country’s political system, women are at the forefront of post-genocide Rwandan public life. They are present in government at record levels; they compose 49 percent of parliament’s lower house. Women’s accomplishments include initiating reconciliation efforts, participating in drafting a new constitution, exercising influence in decentralization policies, and forming a cross-party caucus in parliament to continue to work on security issues. This publication is one of three field-based case studies that examine women’s contributions to post-conflict governance. (31 pages plus endnotes)
Winning the Peace Conference Report: Women's Role in Post-Conflict Iraq
Publication Date: April 2003
Author: Annemarie Brennan
Abstract: The crucial role women can—and should—play in Iraqi reconstruction was the focus of a forum on April 21 and 22, 2003 in Washington, DC. Discussion focused on the inclusion of women in four vital sectors of Iraqi administration: democracy and governance, economic activity, constitutional law and legislation, and civil society. The report presents key findings and conclusions on women’s participation in these areas. (28 pages with footnotes)
2001
Women Waging Peace: Inclusive Security (Foreign Policy)
Publication Date: May/June 2001
Authors: Swanee Hunt and Cristina Posa
This article lays out an early vision of ‘inclusive security’ and points to the activities of women in conflict regions including Bosnia, Chechnya, Chile, India, Indonesia, Japan, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, and Sudan, as they worked through various mechanisms to promote peace. (10 pages)
1997
Women's Vital Voices: The Costs of Exclusion in Eastern Europe (Foreign Affairs)
Publication Date: July/August 1997
Author: Swanee Hunt
This publication argues that the dramatically low status of women in post-communist Europe is an issue that goes beyond the well-being of women per se to the fostering of economic development and democracy. American interests, it contends, require that the United States help the region’s women carve out their rightful place in the mainstream of society. (7 pages)
Publications Relevant to Other Peace and Security Issues
