Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Political Science
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
This dissertation examines the role of gender in DDR programs through a feminist lens, with a particular focus on the framework of hegemonic masculinity. Despite growing recognition of the importance of gender-sensitive DDR, these programs have historically been design around a traditional model that prioritizes male fighters and marginalizes women ex-combatants and supporters. This dissertation examines these gendered dynamics through three interconnected approaches. First, this dissertation provides a feminist conceptualization of DDR, tracing how hegemonic masculinity is embedded in DDR policies and processes, from initial program design to implementation. It highlights how DDR can reflect and reinforce gendered power structures, often excluding or mischaracterizing women’s participation in armed groups. Next, this dissertation presents a case study of Northern Uganda, analyzing two reintegration initiatives – Roco Kwo and Labora Farms – as examples of how DDR programs engage with gender. This study demonstrates how differing approaches to reintegration can reinforce or challenge patriarchal norms. The dissertation ends by introducing Gender-DDR, a new dataset coding gender provisions in 67 DDR programs from 1991 to 2023. This dataset provides empirical evidence on the extent of gender inclusion in DDR globally, revealing patterns of progress yet persistent gaps in the implementation of gender-sensitive provisions. Together, this dissertation contributes to critical debates on DDR by demonstrating how gendered power structures shape the reintegration landscape and by providing theoretical and empirical tools to assess and improve programs. The findings underscore the need for DDR policies that recognize women as both combatants and agents of post-conflict recovery, moving beyond the restrictive frameworks that define them primarily as dependents, victims, or secondary actors. By combing feminist theory, case study analysis, and large-scale empirical data, this dissertation advances scholarly and policy-oriented discussions on how DDR programs can better incorporate gender-sensitive approaches to ensure more inclusive and effective post-conflict transitions.
Date
3-14-2025
Recommended Citation
Sellers, Harriet, "Framed by Exclusion: Exploring Gender Disparities in Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Programs." (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6692.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6692
Committee Chair
Kerevel, Yann
