Gendered Conflicts: Analyzing the Role of Women in Armed Forces

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the gendered aspects of armed conflict, examining how gender roles influence decision-making, financial assistance, and the experiences of individuals within armed forces. It highlights the gender-based discrimination faced by women, including limited opportunities, sexual violence, and societal biases. The report delves into the impact of gender inequality on the development of armed forces, the importance of gender-equitable political participation, and the challenges faced by both men and women in conflict zones, refugee camps, and post-conflict reconstruction. The report also explores the intersectionality of gender with other factors, such as race and class, and the role of feminist perspectives in international development and armed conflicts. It emphasizes the need for awareness, education, and the implementation of programs to address gender-based violence, promote equal rights, and foster a more inclusive and equitable environment within armed forces and society at large.

ARMED CONFLICT IS ALWAYS GENDERED

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................. 1
MAIN BODY........................................................................................................................................ 1
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................... 6
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................... 8

INTRODUCTION
Armed forces refers to a military, naval, and air forces of a nation which is also known as
armed services. These forces are always been gendered. The role of woman in the combat has always
been controversial. Study shows that there are lot of country's where women have not been provided
with equal rights to have their participation in armed forces. Report will focus on how war affect the
females differently and lays emphasis on increasing woman role in the armed conflict. It has been
analysed that females are not provided with equal rights in armed conflicts which is one of the major
reason for people of that sector not getting equal opportunities in armed forces. This is one of the
major drawback which is been faced by majority of the country's.
Report will lay emphasis on how the gender inequality impacts negatively on the
development of armed forces. It will further discuss the challenges like sexual violence which
women faces in armed forces. Assignment will also analyse the gender differences followed in the
armed conflicts. Moreover, it will also lay focus on gender equitable political participation.
MAIN BODY
Armed conflict are gender oriented. This can be validated from various perspective of
decision making before conflicts and providing financial assistance after the conflicts. The gender
discrimination is vital particularly the women are not considered suitable as well as eligible for these
aspects. It is assumed that the participation of women will be restricted by their gender orientation.
According to Davies, and True, (2015) as discussed in their article Reframing conflict-related sexual
and gender-based violence: Bringing gender analysis back in this perspective creates restrictions in
training and development sessions of armed forces. During training programs though women are
provided training but it is believed that only men must be given more hardships during learning
session. The reason for this is that it is generally assumed that women cannot be used as armed
conflict. They are delicate and are made for protection and care only. If they will be used in these
armed conflicts then, it will only weaken the armed forces.
It is strongly believed that women are not able to compete with the men and also it will be
difficult for them to maintain their survival and existence in environment of violence, hardships and
fear (Davies and True, 2015). Thus, to enhance the participation of women and to provide them equal
rights they must be involved in every decision making. The gender perspective are not only biased
towards women. They also serve several hardships towards the other half male community. Post
conflicts the reconstruction process requires funds and concern. However, it is assumed that though
armed combat who are killed in wars are male. But the supporting and welfare agencies make
1

attempts to provide services to women at first. They believe that men should be able to manage
hardships. It must be in their blood to maintain their strong nature. The pain and crying are meant for
women and men are not allowed to do so.
Thus, it is necessary that the care must be provided to victims but it should not be based on
gender criteria. Another aspect of armed conflict which is biased for both genders is sexual
harassments and violence. The women are more vulnerable to these harassments. The male
dominating forces assumed that the women in war region can be used for harassments and it is their
legal right to do so. On the other hand though there are limited instances of such harassments for men
but they are brutally tortured and treated with inhuman practices (Nolin, 2017). In the refugee camps
and replacement after wars women are always given priority.
The men are always discriminated in order to priorities women while providing comforting
facilities post war or conflicts. The replacement must not be gender biased and all must be served as
human beings instead of men or women. It is also analysed that women are easily targeted during
armed conflicts (Lomsky-Feder & Sasson-Levy, (2017). They are considered as easy and successful
method to use as a covering for protection or for spying the opposite force. It is assumed that women
fits better in this role rather than participating directly in armed conflicts. During armed conflicts
women also suffers from humiliation from their family members. The soldiers of forces express their
anger and frustration on women in their families considering that they are not worthy for anything. It
also leads to gender based violence.
Creating awareness in the most complex issues of societies such as sex violence is the vital
aspect in the role of developing a society and can also enhance there chances to contribute in armed
forces. The study describes that in-spite of the laws made by government bodies related to woman,
they face a huge discrimination for their identity in the armed forces. The women here are not
provided with equal rights to show their contribution in armed forces. (Lomsky-Feder & Sasson-
Levy, (2017). It will also provide a better and safe environment to trans-genders who are involved in
armed forces, so that they can live in peace and enjoy the human rights given to them. The
awareness can be created by educating the members in armed forces about equality of rights given to
women. It will help in breaking the stereotypes and assumptions which would result in changing the
views and thoughts of societies towards these type of people.
As per the view of Kabeer (2015) discussed in the article Gender, poverty, and inequality: a
brief history of feminist contributions in the field of international development. The paper imparts
brief history about the contribution of feminists in the international development of armed conflict. It
2

examine the role of gender, poverty and inequality in this particular field. The paper challenged the
major drawbacks faced by the woman in this field. The feminists lays focus on equating gender with
female or female issues, bringing woman and children together as the sufferers in war. The author
also discusses about the rape and sexual harrasment faced by women which have triggered their
growth in the armed conflict sector.
Marit Tolo Ostebo (2017) discusses about can respect be key to gender justice?. The paper
shows the importance of equality and respect as the most important aspect of international human
rights discourse. It lays key emphasis on the gender equality which is one of the major concern in the
armed sector. More often it has been analysed that the women si not being treated with respect,
harrased and mentally torechered. All these incidences hamper her growth and makes women depress
because of which they are not able to show the equal contribution in the field of armed. The major
conflicts in the country also rises because of this.
Lomsky-Feder & Sasson-Levy, (2017) discusses about the case related to “Sexual violence
in armed conflicts: A violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law”. The women
after suffering from sexual violence faces severe consequences like psychological, physical and
societal impact which may hamper the growth of any individual suffering from it. Mostly trafficking
is done of people from trans-gender communities. After facing all these consequences they are often
seen with symptoms of depression and stress. There body might get weak after suffering from
slavery. They might not be accepted by societies which can lead to further stress in their lives.
According to Butterfield & Heineman, (2017). The Gendered Nexus between Conflict and
Citizenship in Historical Perspective. The article mainly focus on how the women was discriminated
in the various country and not provided with citizenship. The whole society was fully supported
male in every decision making. They do not understand that providing citizenship to the women
can help in developing sense of belonging. This can help them in creating peace and harmony in the
country and can also impact the growth of an individual. This can also increase economic
productivity of the region and can provide women with indepence which would directly result in the
increase in productivity and effeciency. Not involving female in the citizenship is the major
drawback in the era of armed forces. Providing them with equal rights can encourage them in taking
part in activities which people think are only meant for man.
In accordance to Stoian, et.al., (2018). Fit for purpose? A review of guides for gender-
equitable value chain development. The gendered equitable value chain development in armed
forces helps in enhancing and improving the livelihoods of the women and their family. It also
3

assists in raising the standards of their living and provide them with safe and secure environment
to live. The gendered informed value chain development response are mainly implemented in
order to know about the challenges faced by the women participating in the armed
forces(Shepherd (2007). These programs helps in protecting livelihoods and increase strength of
individuals to face crises and fight against them. It promotes an environment of peace and culture
non-violence. Intersectionality is basically a theory which describes how interlocking systems of
power affect those individuals who are been peripheral in communities or societies. It has an
impact on gender empowerment programs, as most of these plans are made on women and trans-
genders.
Butterfield & Heineman, (2017) has also discussed upon ‘Victims, Perpetrators and
Actors’ Revisited: Exploring the potential for a feminist re conceptualization of (International)
security and (Gender) violence. The article analyses that the female working in the armed forces
are the victims of the gender violence. Research says that many woman have stated that all the
opportunities to grow are provided to man. The humanitarian law in armed conflicts describes
that the protection should be given to all those women who do no take part in the hostilities. The
laws also focus on maintaining the peace and imparting the safer environment to women are
going to join the armed forces. All these factors can lay emphasis on the growth of woman as
well as the country.
Jones, Kendall & Otomo, (2018) discusses in his case study about Gender, War, and
Technology: Peace and Armed Conflict in the Twenty-First Century. The case study lays
emphasis on that woman empowerment is a public health imperative and specially in the armed
forces. The intersectionality assists in advancement of woman in every sector whether it is
armed, navy or air force. Article lays emphasis on that various strategies should be discovered in
order to better understand feminism, anti-racist feminism, and anti-discrimination law which has
been made in order to empower woman. Adopting an intersectional approach is basically
providing women to enjoy the rights and equality which are given to men. Laying emphasis on
the rights of women can actually make a difference in between their life and death (Hove &
Ndawana, (2017). The intersectionality lays emphasis on how the problems are managed. Like
for example the addressing issues like street harassment which is one of the major problems
faced by women and trans-women in armed forces. Intersectionality focuses on reducing the
significant difference between normal woman.
4

This approach can also help in the development of society. The government has laid
various programs in order to improve the condition of women in armed forces. There are various
programs like providing the proper hygienic condition to women who have been serving for
armed forces. The approach looks for the opportunities to overcome these barriers. Hove &
Ndawana, (2017) discusses the case study which focuses on Women, gender and armed conflicts
in ADC The general gender related problems which can be faced by individuals are the
expectations of masculine and feminine ideals. Unavailability of resources in decision making.
No assistance in gaining information related to basic rights and technology. Many interventions
are provided by governments of the country in order to overcome these barriers and search for
the opportunities to enhance the life style of women and reduced gender baisedness in the armed
forces (Human Rights in Armed Conflict . (2015).
In accordance to Butterfield & Heineman, (2017). The Gendered Nexus between Conflict
and Citizenship in Historical Perspective. The article also discusses about how the role of women can
be changed in perspective of armed forces. It includes that the education should be provided to
women related to this sector, so that they have a knowledge and understanding about the armed
forces. Also, training needs to be given to woman so that they can be effective and productive in their
learning. It has been observed that there has been sex violence in the armed forces' sector. The
international humanitarian law and human rights law has explained that they prohibit all type of
sexual violence at all time and against anyone whether it is women or man. They lay focus on
finding ways through which these violences can be reduced. It has also been noted that sexual
violence and rape are mostly seen in the armed conflicts and the outcomes are resulted in the
devastating consequences.
Today humanitarian and health-care professionals analyse the situation better and
examine the impact of sexual violence of the personal, physical, psychological and mental health
of the individuals and communities. This is the major issue which have to be managed in the
armed forces (Shepherd (2010). The sexual violence in this field can also change the mind of
woman to participate in the activities related to armed forces. So, focus should be laid on
identifying the opportunities which can help in changing the present conditions of woman in
armed forces. It will also reduce the inequalities faced by women in these sectors.
Gaggioli (2014) has discussed the Women’s Rights in Jeopardy: The Case of War-Torn
South Sudan. The theory critically lays emphasis on providing woman with equal rights in armed
5

forces. Study shows that the Sudan has been functioning without providing basic human right to
woman in order to contribute to armed forces which is one of the major challenges faced by the
Country. It was analysed that the region still have opportunities to advance the promotion of
women's right.
For improving situation of women in armed forces advancing in technology have also
laid impact in shaping the ways and forms of realm armed forces. It has been noted that the
women has marked their excellence in the field of technology which has helped in the
development of armed forces (Shepherd (2010). In many country's the armed sector is been
involved in engaging women in the field of technology. The transformation of armed conflict
with the help of such interventions has not only re-designed the targeting methods but also had
made the vision of the individuals clear on involving woman in these sectors.
CONCLUSION
From the entire report it has been summarised that the women involving the trans-women
faces various challenges in the armed forces. It has been analysed that in armed sector they are
not being provided with equal rights and opportunities which can hamper their growth of
development in the armed sector. Further, report shows that the women also faces problems like
sexual violence which is one of the major challenges suffered by females in that sector. It gives
explanation about the humanitarian law which lays focus on providing women with equal rights
like safe conditions of work that can support in the growth of women and reduces the gender
inequalities.
6

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Butterfield, J. & Heineman, E. (2017). The Gendered Nexus between Conflict and Citizenship in
Historical Perspective. The Oxford Handbook of Gender and Conflict, 62.
Gaggioli, G. (2014). Sexual violence in armed conflicts: A violation of international
humanitarian law and human rights law. International review of the red cross. 96 (894).
503-538.
Hove, M. & Ndawana, E. (2017). Women’s Rights in Jeopardy: The Case of War-Torn South
Sudan. Political studies association, 1-13.
Jones, E., Kendall, S. & Otomo, Y. (2018). Gender, War, and Technology: Peace and Armed
Conflict in the Twenty-First Century. Australian Feminist Law Journal.44(1). 1-8.
Lomsky-Feder, E. & Sasson-Levy, O. (2017). Women soldiers and citizenship in Israel:
Gendered encounters with the state. Routledge.
Shepherd, L. J. (2007). ‘Victims, Perpetrators and Actors’ Revisited: Exploring the potential for
a feminist reconceptualization of (International) security and (Gender) violence. Political
studies association.9. 239-256.
Shepherd, L. J. (2010). Women, armed conflict and language – Gender, violence and discourse.
Political studies association.92(877). 143-159.
Sirleaf, E. J. & Rehn, E. (2009). Focus: Women, gender and armed conflicts in ADC. Retrieved
from http://www.oecd.org/social/gender-development/44896284.pdf
Sorensen, B. R. (2011). Gendering violent conflicts. Retrieved from
https://soc.kuleuven.be/crpd/files/working-papers/wp05.pdf
Davies, S.E. and True, J., (2015). Reframing conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence:
Bringing gender analysis back in. Security Dialogue. 46(6).
Nolin, C., 2017. Transnational ruptures: Gender and forced migration. Routledge.
Kabeer, N. (2015). Gender, poverty, and inequality: a brief history of feminist contributions in
the field of international development. Gender & Development.23(2).189-205.
Butterfield, J., & Heineman, E. (2017). The Gendered Nexus between Conflict and Citizenship in
Historical Perspective. The Oxford Handbook of Gender and Conflict.62.
7

Stoian, D., Donovan, J., Elias, M., & Blare, T. (2018). Fit for purpose? A review of guides for
gender-equitable value chain development. Development in Practice.28(4).494-509.
Online
Human Rights in Armed Conflict . (2015). [ONLINE] Available through:
<https://home.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/heiwa/Pub/E19/chap6.pdf>
8

9