Gender Mainstreaming In Peacekeeping Operations ... - Resdal

sensitization through centralized radio programmes in Monrovia
complemented localized sensitization.
To sustain this partnership over the life of the DD process, it
was essential to involve women’s networks for reporting
and monitoring activities to address problems of female excombatants.
It was an approach that worked because, according
to stakeholders, the community trusted the NGO networks, and
shared their problems with them. Networks, then carried the
message they heard back to UNMIL, resulting in redress for the
grievances of women.
Advocacy for WAFFs in the DDRR process and the accompanying
sensitization and awareness campaigns resulted in the inclusion
22,300 women among the 101,000 disarmed and demobilized excombatants
(as compared to the initial estimate of 3,000 female
combatants) 6 . The reintegration phases began in November
2004, under the leadership of the Joint Implementation Unit
(JIU), with funds from the Multidonor Trust Fund administered
by UNDP and parallel programmes funded by the European
Commission and the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID). By the end of the programme however,
approximately 60,000 of the eligible 98,000 ex-combatants
had completed the second phase; of that number, 10,000 were
females. The final or third phase was extended to accommodate
approximately 7,202 demobilized combatants who had not
received assistance during the previous phase (2008-2009).
Over 22% of the beneficiaries were women, which reflected their
overall participation in the DDRR programme. 7
Centrally, UN agencies were organized to facilitate aspects of
DDRR where they had a comparative advantage. UNFPA was
designated to respond to the need for reproductive health and
6 UNDP, DDRR Report.
7 UNDP, DDRR Report.
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