Women in security

To what extent has gender mainstreaming been achieved in the security sector? Case studies from Kenya and the DRC will be discussed.

Date: 2015-06-09

Time: 10:30 to 11:30

Venue: Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel , Sandton , Johannesburg , Google map

RSVP: Pennylope Mandula
Phone: +27 12 346 9500
Email: [email protected]

There are several policies at the continental and global level aimed at supporting women in the security sector. As leaders gather this month for the African Union (AU) Summit under the theme of women empowerment and development, the time is right to ask what has been achieved in Africa.

The AU’s Framework on Security Sector Reform calls for adherence to the principles of gender equality and women’s empowerment. The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 in 2000, which aims to protect women during conflict, prevent sexual and gender-based violence, and promote women’s role in the security sector.

More than a decade later, are women any better represented in the security sector? What makes it difficult to create a gender sensitive culture, and what is the current situation of women in combat?

This seminar analyses the extent of gender mainstreaming in the security sector in Africa. It focuses on the Kenyan Defence Force and provides insight into what it means to be a woman living on the frontlines in the eastern DRC.

Chair: Dr David Zounmenou, Senior Research Fellow, ISS Pretoria 

Speakers:

• Dr Nelson Alusala, Independent Consultant, ISS                
• Dr Yolande Bouka, Researcher, ISS Nairobi
• Stephanie Wolters, Head, Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis division, ISS

This is one of a series of events hosted by the ISS during the AU Summit from 7 – 15 June in Johannesburg. Other ISS events during the AU Summit:

• Violent cities and economic growth, 8 June, Pretoria
• Crisis hotspots and the AU agenda, 9 June, Johannesburg
• How Africa should respond to international crime, 9 June, Johannesburg
• How Africa’s conflict burden will impact its future, 12 June, Johannesburg
• UN Security Council Reform, 12 June, Johannesburg