Conflict and post-conflict

Senu Ara, 17, stands outside the Women's Centre in Balukhali camp March 6, 2018. She arrived in Cox’s Bazar the same way as many other Rohingya refugees: On foot. Photo: UN Women/Allison Joyce
Senu Ara, 17, stands outside the Women's Centre in Balukhali camp March 6, 2018. She arrived in Cox’s Bazar the same way as many other Rohingya refugees: On foot. Photo: UN Women/Allison Joyce

In situations of conflict, women and girls often face very high levels of violence. This includes sexual and gender-based violence, displacement, and the loss of their means of living. While there are systems to address violence against women and girls in humanitarian contexts, preventing violence in conflict and post-conflict settings poses significant challenges. 

Strengthening gender-based violence prevention in conflict and post-conflict zones 

Preventing and responding to gender-based violence in conflict and post-conflict settings requires a comprehensive framework that addresses all stages of humanitarian interventions.

In the emergency phase of conflict, when infrastructure and governance may be severely disrupted, the focus must be on immediate operational responses. This includes providing essential services such as shelter, legal assistance, psychosocial support, and medical care for survivors. These services are critical to addressing the urgent needs of women and girls and ensuring their safety and dignity.

As the situation stabilizes, the emphasis should shift toward building systems that can effectively monitor, prevent, and respond to gender-based violence. This involves establishing data collection mechanisms, strengthening local organizations, and ensuring coordinated responses across sectors to address both immediate and long-term needs.

Once governance structures are restored and a functioning judiciary is in place, it is vital to prioritize structural reforms. This includes enacting and enforcing policies and legislation that protect women and girls from violence, ensuring access to justice, and holding perpetrators accountable. These reforms must be complemented by public awareness campaigns to shift societal attitudes and promote gender equality as a foundation for peace and development.

Strengthening gender-based violence prevention in conflict and post-conflict zones is not just about addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for sustainable peace and the protection of women and girls. It requires the concerted efforts of governments, humanitarian actors, and civil society to create environments where survivors are supported, justice is served, and violence is no longer tolerated.