Gender Specific Effects of Armed Conflict in Africa

Introduction The research paper will draw from a study I conducted on Gender Specific Effects of Armed Conflict in Africa. The content of this paper will discuss the impact of armed conflict on children and their families from... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction
The research paper will draw from a study I conducted on Gender Specific Effects of Armed Conflict in Africa. The content of this paper will discuss the impact of armed conflict on children and their families from a gender perspective. The paper will analyse the following effects of armed conflicts from a gender lens and how they impact on children and their families.

● Sexual abuse
The paper will expound on sexual abuse as a result of armed conflict and how it affects children and their families. The paper will also highlight on armed opposition abduction of women and girls as “wives”; and the continued victimization by society 1 even after war.

● Exclusion from education
The paper will address stigmatization of persons who have experienced SGBV which results to loss of confidence and dropping out of school among others. This not only impact community in terms of higher rates of illiteracy, ensuing poverty and further economic
despair; these effects extend to increased gender inequality and loss of safety zone that allows children to hope for an improved future and maintain a “normal” childhood.

● Genderbased

Violence Trauma
The paper will give insights on how SGBV as a result of armed conflict has a profound psychological effects on its victims.

● Sociocultural

Insecurity
The paper will explore how after war individualisms which replaces community focused motives serves to further alienate people from their community oriented culture, breaking down community structures that protect children from violence.

Conclusion
The conclusion of this paper will major on how to prevent and respond to communities affected by armed conflict and the importance of including all community stakeholders in all transitional justice processes.

Lederach, J. P. (2005). The Moral Imagination: the Art and Soul of Building Peace. Oxford: Oxford University
Press.