Negotiating the Transition to Democracy and Reforming the Security Sector: The Vital Contributions of South African Women
Categories: Statebuilding
Sub-Categories: Democratization and Political Participation, Political Transitions, Security Sector Reform (SSR)
Country: South Africa
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Year: 2004
Citation: Anderlini, Sanam N. and Camille P. Conaway. Negotiating the Transition to Democracy and Reforming the Security Sector: The Vital Contributions of South African Women. Washington, D.C.: Women Waging Peace Policy Commission, 2004.
Sub-Categories: Democratization and Political Participation, Political Transitions, Security Sector Reform (SSR)
Country: South Africa
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Year: 2004
Citation: Anderlini, Sanam N. and Camille P. Conaway. Negotiating the Transition to Democracy and Reforming the Security Sector: The Vital Contributions of South African Women. Washington, D.C.: Women Waging Peace Policy Commission, 2004.
Abstract
Despite the differing views and values, South African women – as pacifists, militarists, feminists, and grassroots activists – were vital in shaping and articulating this innovative vision of security. They injected new perspectives and influenced the debate via cross-party alliances. During multi-party negotiations and in every committee, they also fought for gender equality, an end to sex-based discrimination, and the inclusion of gendered perspectives. As decision makers, they have stood by these values and struggled to realize this inclusive vision of security. This study documents the strategies women used to gain full participation in decision making and thier subsequent contributions to the transformation of security sector policies and structures.