Gender and DDR: Lessons Learned from DDR Research

The launch of the revised UN approach to DDR in 2019, through the Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS), presents an opportunity to further strengthen the integration of a gender perspective in DDR and work towards gender-responsive DDR processes. Despite recent policy advances and efforts on the ground, much remains to be done.

Including women is an essential starting point. But making DDR truly gender responsive also requires gender analysis to gain insight into context-specific power dynamics.

Gender-responsive DDR also encompasses examining assumptions around security and masculinity. It also requires an understanding of reintegration processes as critical moments of shifting gender dynamics and identities.

The findings from this report came from a desk research review of approximately 80 resources combining academic literature on DDR, key documents from within the UN and other international organizations, and reports by non-governmental organizations. The author also attended DDR workshops and meetings with experts in the field of DDR.