Dissemination Note No. 2 86292 Study on Gender and Conflict in the Casamance, Senegal: Summary of Findings May 2013 Background Key findings Senegal’s Casamance region is the site of Africa’s longest- The conflict has had an impact on gender dynamics. Gender running conflict, one that has caused serious political disrup- roles have shifted, with many women having acquired greater tions and posed severe development challenges, in addition to responsibilities within the household and for income genera- taking an immense humanitarian toll. As many as five thou- tion. The real and perceived socioeconomic position of men sand people have been killed, and 65,000 are estimated to have appears to have been challenged by this shift. been displaced. Amid recurrent efforts to negotiate a lasting peace agreement, the situation in the Casamance remains frag- Vulnerable groups. Key groups identified as particularly vul- ile. Knowledge of the gender dimensions of the conflict is nerable are refugees, displaced populations, and people liv- limited. The region is home to various ethnicities, religions, ing in border areas. Within these populations, the following cultures, and traditions; and related gender dynamics vary sig- groups experience particularly high levels of vulnerability: nificantly. single mothers, children and “social youth” (those who have not yet reached adulthood as defined by traditional markers, particularly men), women with disabilities, and the widows of Objectives combatants. Gender-based violence (GBV). Awareness of GBV is limited • To examine the conflict in the Casamance region from within the community, with a low level of reporting and a gen- a gender perspective; eral lack of data. Equally, treatment and response services— particularly medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance—are • To develop a framework for understanding the associ- scarce. Emerging findings indicate that GBV is perceived as ated issues, challenges, and opportunities; and unrelated to the conflict, a finding that requires further exami- nation. Impunity is the norm for perpetrators. Although there • To make recommendations on how to address identi- is no clear trend in terms of their identity or motivation, an- fied gender-specific development issues. ecdotal evidence points to a range of perpetrators: domestic partners, gang members, and armed men. Methodology Young men at risk of engaging in conflict. Young men are par- ticularly affected by the lack of economic opportunities and Research questions were developed to identify and differenti- their related inability to meet the traditional expectations as- ate between (i) gender-based roles within the conflict and (ii) sociated with manhood, leaving them particularly susceptible the effect of the conflict on gender relations. Research was to recruitment for illegal activities by criminal armed gangs. conducted in June 2012 across seven villages that had experi- enced relatively high levels of insecurity; that contained many Women and peace-building. Women are not engaged in the displaced populations, refugees, or returnees; and that repre- conflict as combatants but do provide support through oth- sented the various cultures and geographic localities within the er means such as food, shelter, and moral and spiritual sup- region. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups, port. Women are nonetheless perceived to be neutral within semi-structured narrative interviews, expert interviews, and the conflict and therefore have the potential to play a role as participatory observation. peace-builders and mediators. ministration. Efforts should be targeted to reach identified Recommendations subgroups of vulnerable women, refugees, and people living in border areas (through cross-border activities). Holistic pro- All recommendations must be applied with consideration for gramming targeting young men at risk of engaging in criminal the heterogeneity of the Casamance region and thus must be acts should combine livelihood strengthening with behavioral carefully tailored to reflect local contexts. change activities. Research. With respect to GBV, a prevalence study should be GBV. Comprehensive services (including specialized medi- cal, psychosocial, and legal services) should be provided to conducted in selected areas, accompanied by an assessment respond to the needs of GBV survivors. Where such services of the availability and quality of services for GBV survivors. exist in nascent or rudimentary form, they should be expand- A knowledge, attitude, and practice study on sexual violence ed. Community sensitization and awareness-raising targeting should also be carried out. With respect to at-risk young men, men, women, boys, and girls should be provided. research should be done on criminal armed gangs to guide related programming designed to prevent recruitment and re- Women in peace-building. Women’s neutrality in the conflict duce violence. should be harnessed to promote their role as peace-builders. A training program for existing women’s organizations should Livelihood strengthening. Men and women alike would bene- be established, along with networks to build capacity in advo- fit from the creation of associations and cooperatives through cacy, public relations, and project planning. External expertise which micro-credit and vocational training could be provided, should be made available for the design and monitoring of the along with training in leadership, entrepreneurship, and ad- program and networks. For further information, including access to the full analytical report and research material please contact the World Bank’s LOGiCA Program at: ereessmith@worldbank.org and pbance@worldbank.org 2