The gender implications of small arms and light weapons in conflict situations

This chapter provides an overview of the gendered nature of firearm possession, use, and victimhood. It analyzes women's roles in disarmament processes and the importance of greater female representation in firearms policy processes. The chapter opens with an overview of the current distribution, use, and regulation of small arms and light weapons and the impact that significant numbers of civilian-owned firearms have on broader communities. It then describes the differing experiences of men and women in firearms control and the differing contexts in which men and women become victims of gun violence. The chapter explores situational case studies of female combatants using small arms and light weapons and describes how the use or non-use of female combatants relates to gender roles in conflict settings.