Gender Mainstreaming In Peacekeeping Operations ... - Resdal

and prevention programmes through the UN as well as with
international and national partners. The programme is set up
using the same five pillars of the National Plan of Action, with
each pillar operating independently but reporting back to
central leadership under a Programme Advisor. It has been a
useful introduction to addressing coordination, and illustrates
an integrated mission response to alleviating issues of SGBV.
Also extremely influential has been the fact that programmes
have been based on strong needs assessment at the outset
and are consistently monitored and evaluated. According
to the Judicial Unit Focal Point within UNMIL, the diverse
working environment creates confusion of the data reported. 19
Investigating the actual situation on the ground is critical. Several
new reports have been particularly useful in understanding
these complexities, including the cultural implications that are
prominent. For example, the Conduct and Discipline Unit CDU)
continually monitors its SEA campaign so that key diagnosis
regarding trends can be made and addressed. Its work includes
a 2008 report to determine the implications of SEA on children
and women at the border points.
There are many challenges to addressing SGBV in Liberia. Given
the long-standing conflict, as well as cultural norms surrounding
sexual and gender based violence, there are limits to the work
that the international community can undertake. It is important,
however, to remove the excuse of culture or the impact of war
for rape and sexual violence trends. Before the war, women in
the country were highly empowered. It is, therefore, attitudes,
behaviors and discriminatory systems related to accountability,
rights, equality, and impunity that promote sexual offences.
Hence the response must not be confined by the challenges of
location but instead be empowered by it.
19 Interview: UNMIL Legal and Judicial Focal Point.
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