AWD Report 2020
7.3. Strengths, Challenges and Gaps Over the years, IGAD has implemented several commitments that connect women’s rights and gender equality with its priority areas. For example, on peace and security, under the Regional Action Plan for the Implementation for UNSCR 1325 and 1820, IGAD regularly hosts meetings and training for women on the issue. Moreover, the frameworks on women’s rights and gender equality align with international and regional frameworks.445 Despite these commitments for women’s rights and gender equality, systemic and structural inequalities in, for example, access to employment, credit, land, decision-making and policy input persist in the region. There are high levels of GBV, harmful practices and gender-based discrimination. Women face unequal access to productive inputs, particularly in the agriculture sector, and continue to be victimized by traffickers.446 These challenges can, in part, be explained by deeply patrilineal and patriarchal societies.447 Moreover, conflict and acts of terrorism in the region have negatively impacted the implementation of IGAD’s commitments. While IGAD has implemented many frameworks, these are not binding, and there are no accountability mechanisms to obligate states to incorporate them.448 Additionally, the organisational structure of IGAD, in particular concerning gender, is at present not sufficiently equipped to respond to the challenges the region faces. This weakness may result in the Gender Affairs Programme having a limited impact and in policies not being translated into practice.449 Moreover, IGAD’s initiatives focused specifically on gender equality and women’s rights are also in need of sufficient resources.
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