Protection of civilians is an important component of addressing conflict. Women are often disproportionately and differently affected as civilians and specific protection policies and strategies are required. The protection of women and women’s human rights is another of the key components of the women, peace and security agenda. For many years women were only seen as victims of conflict and as needing protection.

While protection remains vital, it cannot be separated from women’s agency and participation. Women must be consulted about their security needs and concerns and must be engaged in their own protection through participating in the design and implementation of protection strategies and programs. In addition, the protection framework should not ignore the need to prevent conflict so as to eliminate the need for protection from its effects. As many women, peace and security advocates have argued, SCR 1325 was not intended to make war safe for women.

It must also be remembered that protection goes beyond protection from sexual violence during conflict. This is of course a particularly egregious aspect of conflict but there are many other human rights violations in conflict and post-conflict environments from which civilians – including and particularly women – need protection. Humanitarian assistance is an important part of providing protection and security for women and girls in conflict and post-conflict countries. Promoting women’s equal access to aid distribution mechanisms and services, including those dealing with the specific needs of women and girls, are also essential in all relief and recovery efforts.