Gender justice and reconciliation

Abstract

Gender justice within the context of armed conflict and its aftermath refers to legal processes that are equitable, not privileged by and for men, and which acknowledge ways in which women uniquely experience harm. Typically, gender justice is neglected in preference for achieving reconciliation, which is driven by patriarchal interests favoring the powerful and disenfranchising the oppressed. This article's purpose is to explicate thematic concepts from writings about justice and reconciliation, to contrast religious and secular perspectives, and to expand current discourses about how gender justice can be created and maintained within post-conflict reconciliation processes. I emphasize the importance of truth-telling within the framework of gender justice and psychosocial healing as essential components of reconciliation processes. I argue that gender justice must occur if reconciliation processes are to succeed and that governments, communities, and individuals must accept responsibility for ensuring gender justice.