Breaking Down Barriers

Women's Access to Education and Employment in Conflict-Affected Countries

Panel #3 Topic coming May 11th RSVP at?https://www.globalctinstitute.org/event-details/women-in-security-2023-panel-3

Breaking Down Barriers: The Importance of Women's Empowerment in Conflict Areas

By: Amber Oquindo, MSHS

?

?

Women in conflict areas face numerous challenges, such as violence, displacement, and loss of property and loved ones. However, they also play a vital role in shaping the peace-building process and can be valuable assets in the security sector. Empowering women in conflict areas can help support access to education and employment opportunities in the field of security, which can promote gender equality, peace, and stability. This article discusses the importance of empowering women in conflict areas to support access to education and employment opportunities in the field of security.

?

Gender inequality is a significant issue in conflict areas, where women face numerous challenges, such as violence, discrimination, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. Women in conflict areas are often subjected to sexual and gender-based violence, which can lead to physical and mental health issues, social isolation, and loss of livelihoods (Kabir, 2020). According to the United Nations, women and girls account for 70% of the global population living in extreme poverty (UN, 2020). Conflict exacerbates these inequalities, and women and girls are often left behind when it comes to access to education and employment opportunities.

?

Women play a vital role in security in conflict and post-conflict situations. They bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences that are valuable assets in the security sector. Women's participation in security can help prevent violence against women and girls, enhance community safety, and promote peace and stability (UN, 2020). However, women's participation in security is often limited due to structural and cultural barriers, including gender bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. Women in conflict areas face additional challenges, such as limited access to education and training, lack of support networks, and cultural norms that limit their mobility and participation in public life.

?

Empowering women in conflict areas can help support access to education and employment opportunities in the field of security, which can promote gender equality, peace, and stability. Empowering women can help break down the structural and cultural barriers that prevent their participation in security. It can also help build their confidence and skills, enhance their decision-making capacity, and create opportunities for them to lead and contribute to the peace-building process (UN, 2020). Empowering women can also improve their economic opportunities, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development.

?

Access to education and employment opportunities in the field of security is critical for women's empowerment in conflict areas. Education and training can help women develop the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in the security sector. It can also help build their confidence and leadership abilities. Employment opportunities can provide women with economic independence and promote gender equality. Moreover, women's participation in the security sector can help promote peace and stability. They can help prevent violence against women and girls, enhance community safety, and promote gender-sensitive approaches to security (UN, 2020).

?

Empowering women in conflict areas is essential for promoting gender equality, peace, and stability. Women's participation in the security sector is critical for preventing violence against women and girls, enhancing community safety, and promoting gender-sensitive approaches to security. Access to education and employment opportunities in the field of security is crucial for empowering women and promoting gender equality. Governments, civil society organizations, and international partners must work together to break down the structural and cultural barriers that prevent women's participation in security and create opportunities for them to lead and contribute to the peace-building process.

?

References

·????????Kabir, F. (2020). Women, gender equality and the COVID-19 pandemic. UN Women. Retrieved from https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/4/feature-women-gender-equality-and-covid

·????????United Nations. (2020). Women, peace and security. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/wps/

·????????International Alert. (2019). Women, peace and security: a practical guide. Retrieved from https://www.international-alert.org/publications/women-peace-and-security-practical-guide

·????????Institute for Security Studies. (2020). Women, peace and security in Africa. Retrieved from https://issafrica.org/iss-today/women-peace-and-security-in-africa

·????????United Nations Development Programme. (2020). Gender, conflict and peacebuilding. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/womens-empowerment/gender-conflict-and-peacebuilding.html

·????????Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. (2020). Women, peace and security. Retrieved from https://www.wilpf.org/women-peace-and-security/