Fighting Radicalization by Fostering Gender Inclusion A path towards sustainable security
by MAJ Alberto Strina ( ITA ) LANDCOM Gender Advisor CIV Paloma Velasco ( ESP ) LANDCOM Political Advisor Staff
The minute the fight against radicalism begins , the contribution of all actors and resources involved is crucial for the accomplishment of an effective , sustainable and lasting security .
The implementation of the gender perspective is paramount to face the new global challenges and threats . In this respect , by ensuring the presence of the widest range of actors ( social groups ), we would achieve an inclusive conflict resolution process and will empower the responsive participation of those that have traditionally been portrayed as victims . Bearing in mind that women are the most vulnerable part of those groups of victims facing the new global threats , it is likely to be an effective strategy if aiming to empower them to play different roles in the conflict resolution processes , shaping the comprehensive recovery of the States ’ communities .
So far , the UN has confirmed that only a very low percentage of signatories to peace agreements were women and their participation in peace negotiations did not reach 8 % of the available data . Consequently , we observe that the exclusion of vulnerable groups is generated by the new global social environment status , the enormous growth of radicalism and the increased presence of extremists pretending to affirm or justify the supremacy of their own culture . In this respect , the updated profile of violent extremists , the high level of sexual violence in conflicts and within refugee flows and its disregard in peace processes , urges to implement a gender perspective more than ever .
For instance , through the analysis of the migration flows all over the Mediterranean and their dynamics , we can assess
Picture by SFC Ruiz , LANDCOM PAO
how gender perspective implementation is crucial . Therefore , giving for grant that Women are one of the most vulnerable groups among the internally displaced persons ( IDPs ) and refugees , we assume that they live in extreme poverty and under very harsh conditions . Consequently , we might observe that the lack of humanitarian aid distributed to non-camp refugee is pushing many of them , within the borders of their states or even abroad , to big cities into overcrowded and over expensive housing .
Actually , this situation makes them prone to exploitation as cheap laborers and women become more vulnerable to sexual abuses , different forms of violence , exploitation , harassment and even without mentioning any form or extremists recruiting . As a matter of fact , Women and young children are particularly prone to waves of radicalization taking place among the refugee population . In fact , not based on an ideological position , women find themselves in situations where they have to cover their bodies in order to receive aid . As refugees are attractive to DAESH foreign fighters , imposed marriage is also a phenomenon taking place , with fighters taking on wives and leaving them behind . Poverty and traditional culture provide fertile soil for the exploitation of women and children by radical groups offering them financial aid and support .
Aware of this , in 2000 the UNSC adopted the resolution 1325 on Women , Peace and Security , and related Resolutions ( 1820 , 1888 , 1889 , 1960 , 2106 , 2122 and 2422 ) in order to include a gender perspective to the processes of peacemaking and peacekeeping . In the same year , the Alliance committed itself to adopt the UNSCR 1325 as a landmark for the promotion and protection of the right of women to participate on an equal footing in peace and security . That is to say , in each and every step of the processes . However , gender balance in the security sector is not exclusively an objective in the interest of the women professionally involved in the field . Instead , it is a challenge undertaken in search for a sustainable and lasting peace , and results in a greater impact and effectiveness of the security policies .
Therefore , by fostering equality , the Alliance is taking active part on the protection of rights and fundamental freedoms of both women and men involved in the security sector , as well as the ones of the populations suffering from war . A major difficulty seems to be that the number of positions
22LAND POWER