INTRODUCTION

The dominance of patriarchal social structures and formations in society has historically contributed to women's subordination and to widespread and pervasive discrimination against women. Manifestations of women's lack of equality such as the economic dependence of women, women's lack of mobility, their lack of familiarity with the public sphere and their lack of decision-making power within the family and within the household are embedded in this framework. The foundations of discrimination against women make them dependent and marginalised members of every modern society. The ‘normal’ vulnerability of women to discrimination, violence and exploitation is heightened in the course of a conflict, and while in flight from a conflict situation as well as in processes of resettlement in the aftermath of a resolution of the conflict. The entrenched expressions of inequality in a pre-conflict society enhance the specific vulnerability of women and girls in conflict situations.

Issues of inequality are often among the root causes of a conflict. In many cases it is the imbalance in power between diverse ethnic, religious and linguistic communities that lead to conflict in a society. A clash between opposing ideas and ideals regarding the allocation of power and resources within a family, a community or a country could lead to the same consequences – conflict which could be expressed in either violent or non-violent ways. In the discussion in this paper, the focus is on violent conflict, with the use of arms, and includes mass uprisings against political repression.

In this context, addressing the roots of both real and perceived inequality is often key in processes of conflict transformation and peace building, and in processes of creating structures of ‘transitional justice’ and reconciliation. Ensuring that the debates and negotiations on ways and means of redressing historical inequality in general extend to consideration of inequalities based on sex and gender remains a tremendous challenge in all post-conflict scenarios.