Security sector reform (SSR) is increasingly prioritised by governments,
and on the agenda of international development, peace and security
communities. SSR opens a window of possibility to transform security
policies, institutions and programmes, creating opportunities to
integrate gender issues.
The integration of gender issues is being recognised as a key to
operational effectiveness, local ownership and strengthened oversight.
For example, increasing the recruitment of female staff, preventing
human rights violations, and collaborating with women’s organisations
contribute to creating an efficient, accountable and participatory
security sector, which responds to the specific needs of men, women,
girls and boys.
Despite this recognition of the importance of integrating gender
issues in SSR, there has been a lack of resources on the topic.
This Toolkit is an initial response to the need for information
and analysis on gender and SSR. It is designed to provide policymakers
and practitioners with a practical introduction to why gender issues
are important in SSR and what can be done to integrate them.
Each SSR context is unique. As such, the strategies and recommendations
provided in the Toolkit may not always be directly applicable, and
should always be adapted to the local context.
Sets out why gender is important to SSR processes.
Presents practical strategies to integrate gender into SSR.
Suggests gender-responsive SSR policy approaches.
Provides material from which to develop training on gender
issues.
Compiles international laws and standards on gender relevant
to SSR.
Audience and Readership
The Toolkit is designed to provide an introduction to gender issues
for a broad range of people working on security sector reform issues.
They include policymakers, programme officers and consultants working
on SSR within:
National governments
Security sector institutions
International and regional organisations
Donor governments
Civil society organisations, including women’s organisations
Contents of Toolkit
The Gender and Security Sector Reform Toolkit includes:
User Guide
12 Tools (20 pages)
12 Practice Notes (4 pages, based on the Tools)
Annex on International and Regional Laws and Instruments related
to SSR and Gender
Gender
& Security Sector Reform Toolkit
