Resources

Private Military and Security Companies and Gender – (Tool 10) (DCAF, OSCE/ODIHR, UN-INSTRAW, 2008)

This tool is part of the Gender & Security Sector Reform Toolkit (DCAF, OSCE/ODIHR, UN-INSTRAW, 2008). The tool addresses gender aspects relevant to security sector reform (SSR) processes involving Private Security Companies (PSCs) and Private Military Companies (PMCs). Through its focus on gender issues in international and national regulation of PSCs and PMCs, the tool highlights general issues concerning the privatisation of security such as the possible exacerbation of existing social tensions and the reinforcement of oppressive practices and structures. The document analyses PSCs/PMCs both as providers and subjects of SSR and illustrates how gender initiatives can be practically implemented in SSR operations involving PSCs and PMCs.