Both women and men suffer human right violations during times of conflict. However, women and girls are more likely to be the target of sexual violence, especially rape. More on rape as a weapon of war
Women are also likely to be among the primary victims of direct attacks on civilian populations. They bear the brunt of so-called 'collateral damage', and are disproportionately affected when primary services collapse.
Women and peacebuilding
Despite the massive impact of conflict on women, they are all too often excluded from the peacebuilding process.
We are currently working on women's roles in peace-building in Afghanistan; and in the recent uprisings in Egypt, Libya and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.
Rape as a weapon of war
Sexual violence is often used as a weapon of war against civilian women and children.
Survivors are at high risk of severe and long-lasting health problems, disabilities and even death from injuries or suicide.
Consequences include unwanted pregnancy, unsafe self-induced abortion, infanticide, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. Psychological trauma is ommon, and may be exacerbated by social stigma and rejection by the family or community.
UN resolution 1325
Despite countless examples of the particular ways in which the rights of women and girls are violated in war, it is only in the last decade that the international community has responded.
Rape in times of conflict was only recognised as a crime against humanity in 1998. In October 2000, the UN Security Council made a historic decision when it passed Resolution 1325, which broadened the Security Council's mandate to ensure women's voices are heard during peace-building.