The contributions of South Sudanese women associated with armed forces during the 22-year Sudanese civil war (1983-2005) remain unrecognised and undocumented. This brief, published by the Small Arms Survey, reviews women’s involvement in the conflict and the lack of official recognition of women in post-conflict programmes. The Government of South Sudan (GoSS) and United Nations’ agencies need to give women priority Demobilisation, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) treatment and full access to employment opportunities.
Women formed a significant contingent of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and other armed groups during the civil war. Some fought on front lines; others travelled with armed groups, carrying supplies and providing sexual services and medical support. Their roles were complex and multifaceted; while some women served willingly, others were forced into activities against their will. Sexual abuse of women by all parties – government soldiers, the SPLA, South Sudan Defence Forces and other armed groups and militias – was routine. Rape, abduction, forced marriage and survival prostitution were commonplace.
The post-conflict status of women is among the lowest of all groups in South Sudan, regardless of ethnic or tribal background. The following additional findings characterise the current status of women:
- The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) neither identifies women as deserving consideration, nor provides compensation for their sacrifices.
- Ongoing violent skirmishes over dowry disputes and ‘ownership’ of women associated with armed forces and groups (WAAFG) and their children contribute to community insecurity.
- Measures to protect women during and after the conflict – such as the SPLA code of conduct banning rape – appear to have been largely ineffective.
- The failure to give women priority DDR treatment is having a serious impact on the welfare of WAAFG. Former female combatants continue to rely on high-risk survival techniques and remain dependent on male soldiers and security service members.
- The small numbers of women identified as eligible for DDR in the South underestimates their real contribution during the war.
- Security sector reform has not been organised in a manner that supports and protects women. Men who have committed atrocities against women are gaining positions in the security and police forces; women are not receiving equal employment opportunities and salaries.
The following measures need to be taken to redress the failure to recognise the role of women in combat:
- The GoSS and SPLA need to publicly acknowledge the roles women played in the conflict, praise their positive contributions and condemn abuses inflicted on them.
- The GoSS must provide women full DDR treatment and post-CPA opportunities commensurate with their needs and contributions.
- DDR services for women should include assessment and treatment of the many women in need of sexual, reproductive and psychological health services.
- Equal job opportunities, training and salaries for women that are commensurate to those of their male colleagues must be provided.
Author: Small Arms Survey
Source: Small Arms Survey, 2008, ‘No standing, few prospects: How peace is failing South Sudanese female combatants and WAAFG’, Small Arms Survey, The Human Security Baseline Assessment, Sudan Issue Brief, No. 13, Geneva
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