To mark International Women's Day on March 8 2004, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) launched a practical guide for those in humanitarian agencies working with women affected by war. "Addressing the needs of Women affected by Armed Conflict: An ICRC Guidance Document" deals with questions such as: What factors increase the risk of sexual violence for women in wartime? What problems must women cope with when the family breadwinner goes missing? Why is it important to facilitate family visits for detained women?

ICRC opines that women's experience of armed conflict is multi-faceted, and includes isolation, increased responsibility for dependants, physical and economic insecurity, detention, and a higher risk of sexual violence, injury, and death. Women's experience of armed conflict also encompasses social, professional, public, or political activities and service in armed, security, and police forces. In this context, the manual is intended to be a practical - not theoretical - guide to these issues that helps readers develop appropriate responses. The advice and recommendations it contains build on ICRC's research and experience as detailed in the ICRC publication Women Facing War (2001), a 3-year study on the impact of armed conflict on women.

The guidance booklet is designed to provide advice on how the more comprehensive publication's recommendations can be practically implemented. Designed for quick reference, the document is divided into specific themes that can be consulted separately. While the manual is an operational tool for ICRC staff, it has been written in such a way as to make it accessible to other humanitarian organisations working with and for women. Specifically, the guidance document includes suggestions for concrete steps and activities aimed at mitigating the impact of armed conflict on women. Background information is provided at the start of each section, followed by a summary of key points to consider in relation to programmes run for women, including pitfalls to be avoided. The document then provides an overview of the relevant legal framework. Practical examples illustrating each theme are included.

The guidance document is available in English, with a French version to be produced later in 2004.

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