Strategic Response to Gbv in Conflict-Affected Areas

Strategic Response to GBV in Conflict-Affected Areas

A Reflection Paper on GSDM

Prepared and submitted by Selahuddin Yu Hashim, MDM-AIM 2013

Gender and gender-related discussions are as old as creation and part of the conception of the earliest human society. However, the on-going awareness of all sectors in gender issues is a contemporary prerogative. In Mindanao, a parallel interest in learning about conflict-affected areas and its effect on gender relations is a positive indication. Hence, the purpose of this essay is to provide for a relevant framework for responding to gender-based violence in the context of the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

While it is difficult to confine the gender issues on a specific society, the reports and perceived insights of developmental workers in conflict affected areas in Mindanao suggests enriching insights and practical solutions to restructuring gender.

Gender-Based Violence in Conflict Affected Mindanao

Women constitute more than half of the population of Mindanao and despite their civilian status; they and their children (boys and girls) have increasingly become specific targets of attack. Whether as victims or combatants, women and children often shoulder an additional burden due to traditional gender roles: their labor, strength and determination maintain their families and communities during war and throughout the long, slow process of rebuilding the peace. In addition, they are saddled with domestic challenges on a daily basis.

The United Nation defines Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will on the basis of gender differences. GBV is already pervasive in times of peace but may escalate during emergency situation. And the most common GBV during crisis situation is violence against women. The Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) classifies women victim-survivors of VAW during disasters and armed conflict situation as Women in Especially Difficult...