Re-Integration and Gender Sensitivity among Ex-Combatants in Central Equatoria State, South Sudan

ABSTRACT 

This study was carried out in Central Equitoria State, south Sudan on female excombatants and members of organizations working with reintegrating former combatants. The study revolves more on reintegration and gender sensitivity among excombatants. The main objective of the study was to document the lives and experiences of female ex-combatants within fighting forces, DDR programs and their communities. This is done for the fact that, women are often present if not always present within wars but are often neglected in the aftermath. Qualitative research method was used to carry out this study. The qualitative method was made up of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires which were used to collect the necessary data from both female ex-combatants and representatives of organizations working in the domain of reintegration of ex-combatants in Central Equitoria. The female ex-combatants and representatives of organizations came from different social backgrounds of age, education and marital status etc. The data was analyzed from two points of view namely: theoretical material and descriptively using percentages and frequency tables. The study found that the best practices and options to reintegration of female excombatants within DDR programmes include ensuring inclusion of female ex-combatant groups in the DDR programme design. It was also found that ex-combatants did not get adequate counseling services after handing over their arms on reintegration. However, most of the response strongly agreed that family reunification is the principal factor in effective social reintegration of ex-combatants. The study concluded that disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration is essential to restore peace and stability after the resolution of conflict and should be given due consideration early in the peace process. It also recommended that a time limit must be set to revisit the plight of ex-combatants and attend to their concerns.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Chapters Preliminary Pages

DECLARATION A ii

DECLARATION B iii

APPROVAL SHEET iv

DEDICATION V

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT vi

ABSTRACT vii

TABLE OF CONTENT viii

LIST OF TABLES xii

LIST OF FIGURES xiii

LIST OF ACRONYMS xiv

Chapter THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

One

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 5

Purpose of the Study 6

Objectives of the Study 6

Research Questions 6

Scope of the Study 7

Geographical Scope 7

Theoretical Scope 7

Significance of the Study 7

Operational Definitions 8

Chapter Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 10

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions from Experts 10

Theoretical Perspective 13 

Related Literature

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Research Population

Sample Size and Sampling Procedure

Research Instruments

Questionnaire

Interviews

Validity of the Instruments

Reliability of the Instruments

Data Collection Procedures

Data Analysis

Limitations of the Study

Ethical Considerations

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Biographical Details of Respondents 34

Age of Respondents 34

Distribution of Respondents by Gender 35

Education Level of Respondents 36

Reintegration Options for Female Ex-Combatants within the DDR Programmes

Contribution of Reintegration Programmes to Female Ex-Combatants in Central Equatoria, South Sudan

Lessons Learned on the Reintegration Programme in Central Equitoria State, South Sudan 

Chapter

Five

FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 48

Introduction 48

Findings 48

Best Reintegration Options for Female Ex-Combatants 48

within the DDR Programme in CES

The Contribution of Reintegration Programme to Female 49

Ex-Combatants in CES

Lessons Learned on the Reintegration Programme in CES 50

Recommendations 51

Suggestions for Further Research 52

REFERENCES 53

APPENDICES 58

APPENDIX I: TRANSMITTAL LETTER 58

APPENDIX II: INFORMED CONSENT 59

APPENDIX III: RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS 60

APPENDIX IV: Interview Guide For Female Ex-combatants

APPENDIX V: A DEMOBILIZED EX-COMBATANT ON THE DAY OF THE FIRST DDR PROGRAMME IN SOUTH SUDAN, JUBA

APPENDIX VI: SOME WOMEN PRACTICING SUBFARMING IN A VILLAGE IN CES

APPENDIX VII: MAP OF CENTRAL EQUATORIA STATE, SOUTH SUDAN

APPENDIX VIII: TABLE FOR DETERMINING SAMPLE SIZE

APPENDIX IX: RESEARCHER'S CURRICULUM VITAE 69