A realist evaluation of effectiveness and sustainability of security sector reforms in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in post-conflict eastern

Résumé

The Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, faces protracted political instability and no sustainable solution has been found to mitigate the decade-long turmoil. Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), particularly the use of sexual assault as a weapon of massive destruction; gender inequality, and infringements on women’s rights are amongst the most striking aftermaths of the ongoing armed conflicts in the DRC. In November, 2009, the government of the DRC adopted a national strategy for the fight against SGBV, structured in five key priority actions, namely: the fight against impunity (i), protection and prevention (ii), security sector reform (iii), multi sectoral assistance (iv), data and mapping (v). Key security sector reforms suggested included accountability, vetting and DDR reforms for strengthening response to SGBV. This study examined the extent to which the different reforms in the security sector have been achieved and their contribution to the fight against SGBV. The study employed a realist evaluation methodology, including semi structured interviews and FGDs with key stakeholders in the security sector and interventions addressing SGBV in South-Kivu and North-Kivu provinces in eastern DRC. Economic evaluation was used to identify the costs of the 3 mentioned reforms against the outcomes relevant to the fight against SGBV. Finally, statistical analysis of SGBV cases reported to Panzi Hospital over the last three years helped to determine the extent to which such reforms have contributed to the fight against SGBV. Results of the study indicated that the reforms have been poorly implemented. However, different factors are also at play in explaining the progress in the reduction of SGBV magnitude and the burden on women, including the intervention of the private sector and international donors. In cases where SGBV cases perpetrated by armed perpetrators decreased, civilian adoption of rape was highly prevalent. This implies that security sector reform is not a panacea to the fight against SGBV.

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