again." This provided a mismatch between female ex-combatant ‘lived roles and experiences’ and
societal perception. As such, many Colombian women who have demobilized in the past have chosen
to reintegrate without government support.
If implementation of the recent peace process does not take female ex-combatants’ actual ‘lived roles
and experiences’ into account, FARC women may not participate, which may negatively impact the
peace accords. According to the UN Women Background Paper “Gender and the Role of Women in
Colombia’s Peace Process,” “War often leads to rapid changes in gender roles and relations, and these
must be considered in the transitions back to peace. […] A peace process is more than just the signing
of an agreement at the peace table; it offers the opportunity to address the underlying social inequities
and injustices of a society that are at the roots of a conflict,” (p. 23, 27). As such, it is important that
the implementation of the DDR for the Havana accords does not revert women ex-combatants back
to traditional constraints that many have fought to escape.
Recommendation.
1. Colombians of various ages, abilities, gender identities, ethnicities, religions, and regions should not
be marginalized in the implementation of the Colombia-FARC peace agreement. International
organizations and actors should continue to encourage the government of Colombia to listen to and
include perspectives from a wide sector of society, especially since the "No" vote shows that many are
still quite divided within the country.
2. The government of Colombia and any partner/international organizations should incorporate
gender analysis into the implementation of DDR processes for the FARC, expanding DDR
reintegration job opportunity options for women so that they are not shoehorned into traditional roles
or domestic careers. Consult with female ex-combatants in the process design, and market the DDR
opportunities and process in a way which will attract female fighters so that they will obtain
governmental support during this difficult transition phase. Provide access to health-specific
psychosocial support for female ex-combatants who survived rape, forced abortions, and other types
of sexual violence during the war. Ensure child soldiers also receive access to counseling and support.
Note: Inclusive Security provides a briefing on “Engaging Women in Disarmament, Demobilization,
and Reintegration: Insights for Colombia,” (Jacqueline O’Neill, 31 March 2015) with several specific
recommendations for designing and implementing DDR processes which will adequately support the
approximately 40% of FARC ex-combatants who are women.
Implications.
As apparent from the "No" vote, Colombia is still a deeply divided society. The more that concerns
of all people are addressed in the ongoing implementation of the peace process, the more legitimacy
the process will gain in society as it is implemented. If women are not fully engaged and included, it
is more likely that the peace will not be sustainable.
Creating and implementing a peace process is an opportunity to address underlying social inequities
and injustices in a society, including power dynamics between men and women. This is important to
remember, especially in the context of DDR, since many female ex-combatants had experienced a
degree of gender equality and leadership within the ranks of the FARC. Implementing a DDR process
Table of Contents | Quick Look | Contact PKSOI
Page 10 of 34