Abstract Book of the 2nd World Conference on Security Studies
Year: 2025
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Beyond Reintegration: The Role of Women in Preventing CAAFAG Recruitment In Darfur
Safa Yagoub
ABSTRACT:
The recruitment and re-recruitment of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups (CAAFAG) persist as a security and humanitarian crisis in North Darfur. While existing policies and DDR programs focus primarily on reintegration, insufficient attention is given to prevention strategies that address the root causes of child recruitment. This paper examines the critical role of women-led organizations and female leaders, including the traditional Hakamate, in preventing CAAFAG recruitment through community-based interventions, conflict resolution mechanisms, and socioeconomic empowerment initiatives.
Using a qualitative case study approach, this research draws on insights from women-led organizations, community leaders, and DDR practitioners in North Darfur. Findings reveal that women-led initiatives, particularly those led by Hakamate, employ multiple prevention strategies such as awareness campaigns, economic support for at-risk families, mediation with armed groups, and policy advocacy for child protection. However, these efforts are hindered by systemic barriers, such as limited funding, exclusion from formal security and DDR decision-making, and security threats to women activists.
This study argues that integrating women-led prevention initiatives, particularly the role of Hakamate as cultural mediators, into national and international child protection frameworks, which is essential for reducing CAAFAG recruitment. It calls for greater institutional support, enhanced financial investment, and a policy shift from reintegration to proactive prevention strategies. Recognizing the agency of women-led organizations in conflict-affected regions is critical to building sustainable, community-driven solutions to child recruitment.
Keywords: CAAFAG prevention, community resilience, conflict resolution, DDR, gendersensitive security policies, Hakamate, women-led organizations