Protecting Women’s Rights Amid Conflict and Instability

As the world observes International Women’s Day (March 8, 2026) under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls,” concerns persist over the worsening vulnerability of women in conflict-ridden regions and the gap between global commitments and real protection.

Historical Context

• Origins in Labour Movements: The day traces its roots to the 1908 New York women workers’ strike, where women demanded better wages, reduced working hours, and political rights, including suffrage, symbolising the early struggle for gender equality.
• UN Recognition: In 1977, the United Nations officially recognised International Women’s Day, transforming it into a global platform to celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality.

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Disproportionate Impact of Conflict

• Economic Double Burden: In patriarchal societies, when war or economic disruption causes loss of male employment, women are forced to seek livelihoods while still bearing primary domestic responsibilities, resulting in a disproportionate workload.
• Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: Armed conflicts frequently involve systematic sexual violence against women to terrorise and humiliate communities, as seen during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where widespread “genocidal rape” was used as a strategy of war.
• Mental Health Crisis: Exposure to violence, displacement and trauma often leads to long-term psychological impacts such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety, requiring sustained rehabilitation and support.

Institutional Response and Ground Reality

• UN Security Council Resolution 1325: It was adopted on 31 October 2000 to protect women during conflicts and to include women in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and post-conflict reconstruction.
• Rising Exposure to Conflict: Around 676 million women currently live within 50 km of active conflict zones, indicating the growing scale of vulnerability faced by women globally.
• Increasing Civilian Casualties: Civilian deaths among women and children have quadrupled in the last two years.

Exclusion of Women from Peace-Building Processes

• Severe Under-representation: Despite being among the most affected by conflicts, women remain largely excluded from negotiations. 
  • In 2024, nine out of ten peace processes had no women negotiators, reflecting a major gender gap in decision-making.
• Durability of Peace Agreements: Research shows that peace agreements are more sustainable and long-lasting when women participate meaningfully in negotiations and reconciliation processes.
  • Example: The “Mass Action for Peace” movement during the 2003 Liberian Civil War, led by Leymah Gbowee, mobilised women across communities to pressure leaders into negotiations, eventually contributing to the end of the conflict and earning her the Nobel Peace Prize.

Way Forward

• Women as Stakeholders: Ensure women’s meaningful participation in peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction.
• Holistic Support: Provide food, healthcare, education, livelihood and psychosocial assistance in conflict zones.
• Action-Oriented Approach: Global institutions must move beyond slogans to concrete, accountable interventions on the ground.

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Conclusion

Protecting women and children in conflict zones through safety, humanitarian aid, and empowerment must be a collective global responsibility, making the 2026 emphasis on “Rights, Justice, Action” a call for real change beyond symbolism.

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