Research study on impact of armed conflict on women and children

An initiative of research into the effects of the conflict in Nepal on the women and children who are forced to lead their lives in such an unstable environment.

Description

The research began in June 2003 and lasted eight months. As part of the study INPED collected information on the human rights situation, the impact of the conflict, the status of displaced peoples, ways to rehabilitate victims of conflict, and the role of women and civil society in peace-building.

The research study was conducted in five Village Development Committees (VDCs) and in one municipality. The study covered a total of 300 households affected by the internal armed conflict.

The main positive conclusions of the study were that the conflict:

• Increased levels of political awareness;
• Decreased levels of discrimination; and
• Empowered women to a certain extent.

However, the negative conclusions were that the conflict:

• Increased family burdens;
• Increased economic difficulties; and
• Increased health problems and grievances.

The research also showed that the conflict had a profound affect on the lives of children - their development, protection and participation in society.

The most important conclusion of the study, however, was that there is no way of resolving the violent conflict other than through peaceful dialogue.

Aims / Objectives

The aim of the study was to identify possible methods of peaceful resolution to the armed conflict, focusing on the rehabilitation and reconciliation of the victims.

The specific objectives are as follows:

• To identify the causes of the armed conflict and its impacts;
• To identify the situation of displacement and suggestion for the rehabilitation of the displaced people; and
• To provide suggestions for the peaceful resolution of violent conflict.

How it is Articulated

INPED recruited five people to collect primary information and another five joined the research team to finalise the report.

The team gathered the primary information with the help of a structured questionnaire, interviews, discussions, supervision and observation. The secondary information came through various reports related to this study. The team tested the accuracy of the information with the help of records from the district administration office, bureau of statistics and other civil society organisations.

Achievements / Learning Points

The research study was based in the Sindhuli district and has been able to provide an overview of the situation in the context of the armed conflict. The study provided possible remedies and suggestions for addressing the problems faced by the disadvantaged groups of the society, focusing mainly on the problems faced by women, children and displaced people. It has also provided proper recommendation for possible directions for the rehabilitation of the displaced persons in their community.

The research has highlighted the following issues:

• Socio-economic and political situation of the Sindhuli district;
• Cause and impact of the conflict;
• Impact of violent conflict on women and children;
• Displacement due to conflict and issue of rehabilitation; and
• Way forward for resolving the violent conflict.

Recommendations were made in the following areas:

• Recommendation to reduce the negative impact of the conflict;
• Recommendation for peace-building;
• Recommendation for the resettlement of IDPs; and
• Recommendation for reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation.

The research report has been a significant aid to scholars, peace and development workers, and conflicting parties for developing plans and strategies of intervention for peace and development in the district.

Geographical Area of Operation

The research took place in Ranibas, Hatpate, Nipane, Sirthauli and Bhadrakali VDCs and Kamalamai municipality of the Sindhuli district of Nepal.

Funding Resources

Support for Peace and Development Initiatives / United Nations Development Programme.