Post-conflict Reintegration and Gender: Why Male Child Soldiers Have Been Denied Sexual and Reproductive Health Assistance in Post-conflict Societies?

Citation:

Ackley, Judith M. 2009. “Post-conflict Reintegration and Gender: Why Male Child Soldiers Have Been Denied Sexual and Reproductive Health Assistance in Post-conflict Societies?” PhD Diss., Webster University.

Author: Judith M. Ackley

Abstract:

In analyzing five of the most recent civil conflicts in Africa, civilians are in great danger. The targeting of civilians, specifically women and children, has increased dramatically for various reasons. This has led to a rapid expansion of conflict and post-conflict research in two fields: child soldiers and gender. The research on the issue of child soldiers has expanded as quickly as the number of children recruited every year. The same is true with respect to the field of gender. Presently, experts incorporate a gender-based approach to address the causes of and solutions to problems created by armed conflict. As the definition of gender has evolved, it has expanded to the political, economic, and social realms of societies. An engendered approach to post-conflict reconstruction has worked to ensure the inclusion of women and girls and recently men. Still, when discussing an engendered approach to post-conflict health, specifically sexual and reproductive health, the definition of gender has forgotten boys. Post-conflict programs should be expanded to make policy and theory into reality and action.

Topics: Armed Conflict, Civil Wars, Combatants, Child Soldiers, DDR, Gender, Boys, Health, Reproductive Health, Humanitarian Assistance, Post-Conflict, Post-Conflict Reconstruction Regions: Africa

Year: 2009