Source: AWID
Author: Women for Women International
The report, which will be released on November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), finds that violence against women is the single, greatest impediment to development and peace. It explores the implementation of UN SCR 1325 and the Millennium Development Goals in this, the tenth year anniversaries of both policy frameworks.

Assessments at the ten-year mark reveal that despite some progress, the implementation of both frameworks has fallen strikingly short of expectations. While many countries are behind on their promises to meet the MDGs, particularly those goals in which gender is explicit, conflict-affected countries are more likely to be lagging. This small-scale research project explores the possibilities of linking the two policy agendas to craft real change for women in conflict-affected countries. It focuses on five countries at different stages of conflict and recovery - Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Sudan – and is informed by a literature review, interviews with several southern NGOs, and responses to a detailed questionnaire that was disseminated through networks working on gender, peace and security issues. The majority of informants were southern-based, but there were also responses from northern-based organisations with programmes in the south. Findings reflect a rich seam of experience from organisations working with women towards inclusive security and development in conflict-affected countries, and contributing to the realisation of both frameworks. In addition, they outline development policies and practices that have made a difference to women’s lives and the role that governments and donors can play in enabling women and men to participate equally in peace-building and development.

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