Spoils of war or political partners? : United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, women security and political participation in the Great Lakes of Africa

Abstract

Women in the African Great Lakes Region have long been marginalised and victimised. The purpose of this research is to ascertain whether the implementation of United Nations Security Council 1325 on Women, Peace and Security has affected security and political participation of women in the region. The research sought to understand the root causes behind the vulnerability, and the marginalisation of women in these three countries. The study then highlighted the changes since 2000, and the socio-politico dynamics underpinning such changes. This has been done by examining the reports of the Committee on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, by analysing domestic legal systems, and institutions as well as actions of national and international actors involved in the implementation of the aforementioned resolution. Upon examination and analysis of the facts, it is clear that United Nations Security Council 1325 is indeed affecting change in engendering the politics of the African Great Lakes Region. It is also affecting the domestic legal systems to ensure protection of women against Gender Based Violence. Through highlighting the changes that Resolution 1325 has induced, this research underscores the importance of international human rights norms in addressing human rights issues in general and women human rights violation in particular.