Women and War

“Any war or conflict impacts the entire life cycle of women and girls. It sets us back decades.”
– Sima Bahous, UN Women Executive Director

It is said and believed that men make war; women live with the consequences. Women endure war’s impacts profoundly, not as passive bystanders. In conflicts, disasters, or climate upheavals, they confront disproportionate challenges and transformations, reshaping identities. Despite facing these repercussions, they are far from passive bystanders. They experience grief, resist suffering, and often undergo profound transformations, shedding old identities and forging new ones molded by the realities of war. Understanding the intersectionality of gender, conflict, and environmental crises is crucial in devising impactful strategies to assist women in such circumstances.

Impact of armed conflict:
Gendered Experience of War – Men and women experience war differently and at different rhythms. Female roles remain subordinate to masculine ones, despite debates about women’s involvement in war efforts. Conflict zones foster gender-based violence, such as rape and domestic abuse, impacting women’s well-being profoundly. Women and girls in war zones are targeted both as victims and weapons of war, enduring physical and psychological trauma, and barriers to resources and human rights, alongside direct exposure to conflict and life-threatening conditions.

Displacement and Vulnerability – According to a 1995 UNICEF report, girls and women comprise approximately 80% of displaced populations. During conflicts, they are the primary displaced populations, facing shortages in necessities like food, water, and healthcare. In refugee camps, women confront heightened risks of sexual violence, exploitation, and trafficking. With responsibilities for family relocation and safety, women and children predominate in refugee camps. Conflict exacerbates gender norms, with women expected to ensure family welfare while men engage in frontline combat, underscoring women’s disproportionate burdens in conflict situations.

Economic Challenges in Conflict Zones- In conflict-affected areas, very limited economic opportunities are available to women due to disrupted markets, destroyed infrastructure, and scarcity of resources that hinder their ability to earn a livelihood, driving them deeper into poverty. Post-conflict economies may see an increase in women’s economic activity, as an unintended consequence of war but they often take up low-paid, low-skilled jobs or engage in informal sector self-employment and family labor, which are often overlooked. Cultural norms, education, and resource access influence economic opportunities for women. Female-headed households are particularly vulnerable to poverty, spanning generations.

Loss of Agency and Rights: Women’s rights are often eroded in times of conflict, as traditional patriarchal norms are reinforced, and gender inequalities deepen. Restrictions on movement, education, and political participation further curtail women’s agency and autonomy.

Effect of Climatic and Natural Disasters:
Disproportionate Impact: Women, due to caregiving and food production roles, bear disproportionate impacts of climate change and natural disasters. During extreme weather events, increased work for household livelihoods reduces the time for training, education, and income. Limited mobility, coupled with resource inaccessibility, exacerbates vulnerabilities, leading to health risks, food insecurity, and displacement.

Health Challenges: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children are particularly vulnerable during disasters, facing heightened risks of malnutrition, maternal mortality, and infectious diseases. Limited access to healthcare exacerbates these challenges, placing additional burdens on women as primary caregivers.

Loss of Livelihoods: Women in agriculture-dependent communities face heightened vulnerability to climate change. Crop failures, water scarcity, and land degradation disrupt livelihoods, forcing women into precarious employment or migration. They shoulder primary responsibilities for household water supply, cooking fuel, and food security, especially in rural areas. Women manage labour-intensive tasks using manual methods or basic tools.

Limited Access: Women have limited access to and control of environmental goods and services; they have negligible participation in decision-making and are not involved in the distribution of environmental management benefits. Consequently, women are less able to confront climate change.

Societal Structure: In many societies, sociocultural norms and childcare duties limit women’s ability to migrate or work during disasters, increasing their burden. Gender inequalities persist in various areas in developing countries, worsened by climate change. During conflicts, women face heightened domestic violence, sexual intimidation, human trafficking, and rape.

Supporting Women in Conflict and Crisis:

Climate Resilience and Adaptation: Despite vulnerability, women contribute to climate adaptation, drawing on historical expertise in water harvesting and resource management. Integrating gender considerations into initiatives is crucial. Recommendations include addressing gender impacts, involving women in decision-making, reflecting their priorities, and removing barriers to resources. Supporting women’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and climate information access can enhance community resilience, particularly in developing countries.

Empowerment and Participation: Empowering women as agents of change is essential in building resilience and fostering sustainable peace. Providing women with access to education, skills training, and economic opportunities enhances their capacity to contribute to conflict resolution and reconstruction efforts.

Protection and Justice: Prioritizing the prevention of gender-based violence and ensuring accountability for perpetrators are critical steps in protecting women’s rights in conflict-affected areas. Strengthening legal frameworks, promoting gender-sensitive policing, and supporting survivors with comprehensive services are essential in addressing impunity and promoting justice.

Humanitarian Assistance: Delivering gender-responsive humanitarian aid is essential in meeting the specific needs of women and girls in crisis settings. This includes ensuring access to reproductive healthcare, psychosocial support, safe shelter, and livelihood opportunities tailored to women’s unique vulnerabilities and strengths.

Women disproportionately suffer during conflicts, climate-related disasters, and natural calamities. Resolving their intersecting challenges demands a comprehensive approach in recognizing their agency, addressing specific needs, and promoting gender equality. Empowering women as agents of change and involving them in decision-making fosters inclusive, resilient societies. This shifts women from mere victims to active contributors to peace and sustainable development.

Understanding the Impact of Conflict on Women and Strategies for Support
-By Priyanka Bardia