On 31 March, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) convened a hybrid webinar marking the month of International Women’s Day, bringing together around 100 participants from across Africa and beyond.
Exploring the gendered impact of armed violence
Held in a hybrid format, the event gathered approximately 60 participants online and 40 in person at UNREC premises in Lomé, including representatives from government institutions, national commissions on small arms and light weapons (SALW), international organizations and civil society.
The webinar focused on the multidimensional impact of small arms, light weapons and ammunition on civilian populations, with particular attention to women. It featured three expert presentations from diverse perspectives, including representatives from the Small Arms Survey, Humanity & Inclusion and the national commission on SALW and ammunition of Sierra Leone.
Discussions highlighted the need to move beyond traditional security approaches and better integrate health, psychosocial and gender perspectives into arms control efforts.
Overview of SALW and ammunition dynamics in Africa
The first session provided an overview of the dynamics of SALW proliferation across Africa, underscoring their central role in driving insecurity and instability. The expert from the Small Arms Survey highlighted the diversity of illicit weapons flows, including cross-border trafficking and the diversion of legally held weapons, as well as the increasing complexity of weapons circulating in the region.
The discussion emphasized that beyond the number of weapons in circulation, the ways in which they are distributed, used and embedded in broader governance and security challenges are key factors shaping their impact.
Beyond the battlefield: women and civilians facing armed violence in West Africa
A key part of the webinar examined the impact of armed violence on civilians in West Africa, with a presentation by an expert from Humanity & Inclusion. Particular attention was given to the experiences of women, who face increased exposure to gender-based violence, heightened socio-economic vulnerability and long-term psychosocial consequences.
Discussions also highlighted how armed violence limits access to essential services, weakens community resilience and deepens existing inequalities, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.
National perspectives on SALW and ammunition control and gender-related impacts
Drawing on national experience from Sierra Leone, the representative of the national commission on SALW and ammunition presented ongoing efforts to strengthen arms control and address gender-related impacts. The presentation outlined the country’s evolving legal and institutional framework, including measures to regulate arms and ammunition, improve stockpile management and enhance compliance with international instruments.
Particular emphasis was placed on gender-sensitive approaches, including the integration of women in security institutions, inclusive policymaking and targeted initiatives to address gender-based violence linked to the proliferation of SALW.
Participants stressed that addressing the gendered impacts of armed violence requires coordinated action, improved data collection and sustained engagement with communities.
Strengthening dialogue and partnerships
The webinar concluded with an interactive exchange among participants, highlighting the importance of prevention, regional cooperation and continued dialogue between governments, international partners and civil society.
UNREC reaffirmed its commitment, alongside the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and its partners, to promoting inclusive and integrated approaches to arms control. Through initiatives such as this, UNREC continues to support efforts to build more peaceful, secure and resilient societies across Africa.
