Girlhood in a post-conflict situation: The case of Rwanda

Type Journal Article - Agenda
Title Girlhood in a post-conflict situation: The case of Rwanda
Author(s)
Volume 23
Issue 79
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2009
Page numbers 13-23
URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10130950.2009.9676219
Abstract
Girls in Rwanda have been confronted with unique challenges since the 1994 genocide. This study aims to analyse their everyday experiences, given the repercussions the genocide has had on their lives and the sociocultural pressures they face. Using a comprehensive cross-sectoral approach we examine their positions and roles through four lenses': security and protection, economic security, access to basic services, and participation and empowerment. This gender analysis of girlhood in a post-conflict environment reveals that girls must contend with a wide-ranging and interconnected set of gender biases and highlights the fact that they are relatively ‘invisible’ in programmes for women or youth, even though they play a major role in the rebuilding of peaceful communities. We conclude that post-conflict programmes would benefit from consulting with girls and young women to detect disparities in access to welfare services and resources and help shape policies and programmes that address their interests.

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