An assessment of the effects of civil war on gender equality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

In the area of wars in the international and intra-state conflicts which has adversely affected poverty, resource scarcity and human rights violations, resulting in serious consequences for women and girls. In the DRC women are going through traumatic experiences such as sexual assault, mass executions, famine, public bombings, epidemics, torture, arbitrary incarceration, forced migration, ethnic cleansing, threats, intimidation and displacement particularly in conflict-affected areas. These challenges deepen existing inequalities women in conflict-affected settings are experiencing the difficulties of gender equality and women empowerment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study employs a qualitative research method utilizing a desktop research design to explore the relationship between civil war and gender inequality. It gathers secondary data from various sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books, government publications, reports by international organizations, and policy documents. Data analysis is applied to examine the data through feminist theory, intersectionality theory, and post-colonial theory. These perspectives facilitate a deep understanding of how gendered power relations, intersecting forms of inequality, and historical structural conditions influence women's experiences in conflict situations. The study looks at how war makes women more vulnerable by looking at trauma, health problems, being forced to leave their homes, sexual and gender-based violence, lack of economic and social stability, and difficulties in getting involved in society and education. . According to the findings, protracted civil conflicts have exacerbated gender inequality by subjecting women to extend beyond sexual and gender-based violence, leaving them homeless, denying them access to education, medical consequences, and employment opportunities, and preventing them from participating in choices regarding peace and national governance. Despite the fact that the Women, Peace, and Security agenda has increased global awareness of women's rights, persistent violence, weak governments, and entrenched cultural views that favour males make it difficult to put these concepts into practice. The study comes to the conclusion that improved institutional responses, successful implementation of gender-responsive policies, increased participation of women in peacebuilding and decision-making processes, and improved cooperation between the government, regional organizations, and international stakeholders are all necessary for sustainable peace and gender equality in DRC. By offering a comprehensive examination of the consequences of protracted civil war on women's vulnerability and gender equality in the DRC, the study adds to the body of information already available on conflict, gender equality, and peacebuilding.