A Development Approach to Advancing Gender Engagement and Addressing Gender Inequalities in Fragile, Conflict and Violent Situations

Overview

States affected by fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) dominate the list of the 10 worst-performing countries on key socioeconomic indicators for gender equality. These contexts often exacerbate barriers to gender equality and increase the risk of gender-based violence. Therefore, it is critical to implement programs to advance gender engagement and address gender inequalities in FCV settings. 

This Approach Paper, 'A Development Approach to Advancing Gender Engagement and Addressing Gender Inequalities in Fragile, Conflict and Violent Situations' identifies practices in the design, implementation, monitoring, and measuring of interventions that contribute towards addressing gender inequalities in FCV countries. The paper is meant to inform analytic, operational, and technical assistance activities by Bank teams. It showcases regional experiences, lessons learned, and best practices on addressing gender inequalities In FCV settings. 

Additionally, the Approach Paper includes an Action Plan outlining steps to elevate gender issues and responses beyond individual projects to more strategic country engagements. The Approach Paper is complementary to the thematic note of the new Gender Strategy. Together, these two initiatives support the implementation of the WBG’s FCV and Gender Strategies. 

Highlights

• Fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) impacts everyone but tends to put women and girls at a greater disadvantage, leading to unequal chances in education, health, work, and having a say in society.
• FCV and Gender dynamics are intrinsically linked and directly affect one another. Gender Action should be informed by both the 2024 WBG Gender Strategy and the 2020-2025 FCV Strategy and is most effective when conceived and implemented as part of a broader country engagement. 
• Women can be agents of change. Women are not only passive victims, they can play a critical role in preventing and resolving conflict; and advancing peace and security. But data shows that women are underrepresented at all levels of decision-making worldwide. 
• During times of war and conflict, gender-based violence (GBV) increases.  This includes intimate partner violence (IPV), using GBV as a “weapon of war”, and forced or early marriage. Addressing GBV therefore requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, protection, and response.
• Refugee women in conflict-affected settings face unique challenges in accessing employment opportunities.  Improving refugee women’s access to decent work provides significant gains for refugee women and their families, as well as the host country’s economy. Rebuilding better will require removing various forms of discrimination and disadvantage that women and girls encounter to realize their full potential and contribute to society. 
• Addressing operational challenges in FCV requires a tailored approach that considers the specific context and dynamics of each environment. It involves close collaboration between development partners, local stakeholders, and communities to mitigate risks, build local capacity, foster social cohesion, and ensure sustainable development outcomes in FCV contexts. 

Advancing Gender Engagement and Addressing Gender Inequalities in FCV Settings

Linkages between the FCV Strategy, the Gender Strategy, and the Focus Areas