War and armed conflict are not merely events but forces that reshape the very dimensions of human existence. The repercussions ripple outward from the immediate battlefield, affecting individuals and societies on physical, psychological, moral, and social levels. Beyond the visible destruction and casualties, conflict creates a silent but profound crisis that preys on the most vulnerable aspects of human life.
On a physical level, the direct violence of combat, bombings, and attacks accounts for a devastating loss of life and a high rate of injury and disability. However, the indirect physical toll is often far greater. The destruction of public health infrastructure, the disruption of supply chains, and the collapse of sanitation systems lead to widespread disease and malnutrition. Psychologically, both combatants and civilians suffer from the trauma of violence, displacement, and loss, leading to a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The moral fabric of society is also frayed, as the dehumanisation of the “enemy” and the extreme conditions of survival can lead to a breakdown of ethical norms. Socially, conflict severs community ties, displaces families, and erodes the trust essential for a functioning society (Plümper & Neumayer, 2005). The above typifies the challenges within the Sahel region. The Sahel region is a semi-arid transitional zone in Africa that lies between the Sahara Desert to the north and the more fertile Savannahs to the south. It stretches across the entire width of the African continent, from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea in the east.
The Sahel remains an important area within Africa for many reasons. It is particularly challenged environmentally and is vulnerable to droughts, food insecurity and climate-induced migration. Additionally, there are jihadist insurgencies and terrorism by groups like JNIM, AQIM and Boko Haram from this region. All of these present challenges to coastal states such as Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea.
The Gendered Impact of War
While war affects all members of society, its impact is not gender-neutral. Men and women are uniquely and disproportionately affected in different ways, reflecting and often reinforcing pre-existing gender roles. Historically, men have constituted the majority of combatants and, therefore, the majority of direct combat fatalities and injuries. However, women and children often make up the majority of displaced persons and refugees, bearing the brunt of the indirect consequences of conflict, such as food scarcity, lack of healthcare, and economic instability (Plümper & Neumayer, 2005).
In many conflict settings, women and girls are also targeted as a deliberate tactic of war. Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is frequently used to terrorise communities, destabilise families, and assert control (United Nations, 2025). While this form of violence is overwhelmingly perpetrated against women and girls, recent studies have also documented its use against men and boys, though this remains an underreported issue due to stigma (Sivakumaran, 2010).
The Unique Challenges for Men and Boys
While the challenges facing women are well-documented, the insurgency also preys on the social and economic roles of men and boys in a unique and devastating manner. They are the primary targets for forced recruitment and radicalisation by armed groups. Young boys are often coerced into becoming child soldiers, subjected to brutal training and psychological indoctrination that strips them of their childhood and humanity. For men, the pressure to defend their communities and provide for their families is exploited by these groups, who offer a false promise of security, power, and purpose. This often forces them to choose between joining the group or facing execution, as those perceived as weak, dissenters, or unable to fight are frequently killed. This experience of forced combat, the immense pressure to conform to hyper-masculine roles, and the violence they are forced to witness and perpetrate contribute to severe and long-lasting psychological harm, including PTSD, depression, and a loss of identity.
The Islamist Insurgency in the Sahel: A Unique Challenge for Women
The Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region presents a particularly grim case study of the gendered impacts of conflict. Groups like Boko Haram, Islamic State affiliates, and JNIM, al-Qaeda affiliates exploit and magnify pre-existing vulnerabilities, turning the female gender as part of their strategy. Abduction is not a byproduct of terrorism; it is a core tactic. Women and girls are seized for sexual slavery, forced marriages, and to serve as domestic labourers or human shields. The abduction of the Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls in Nigeria by Boko Haram brought international attention to this brutal reality, though such incidents are far from isolated. The UN has reported a significant increase in the abduction of women and girls, with numbers in Burkina Faso alone rising over 218% in the past year (United Nations, 2025).
The insurgency has also directly targeted the fundamental pillars of the well-being women. Attacks on schools have led to the closure of hundreds of educational institutions, leaving over a million girls in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso out of school. This not only denies them an education but also makes them more susceptible to forced marriage and recruitment (United Nations, 2025). Furthermore, the violence forces women and girls to travel longer, more dangerous distances to collect water and firewood, exposing them to heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence (UNICRI, 2023).
The Disconnect in International Aid
While international organisations have rightly raised concerns about the limited access to education and participation in peace processes for women in the Sahel, a critical observation suggests that these well-intentioned interventions may not be sufficient or appropriately tailored to the ground reality. The assumption that providing access to education and decision-making platforms is the primary solution often overlooks more fundamental and immediate problems that must be addressed first: security, sustenance, health, and sanitation.
The notion of education as a panacea is challenged by the simple, brutal fact that it is difficult to learn when you are not safe. For many women and girls in the Sahel, the most pressing daily concerns are survival and protection from physical violence. An intervention focused solely on education may not resonate with a community where the most immediate threats are abduction, assault, and starvation. This apparent disconnect is exemplified by the critique of celebrity ambassadorships, such as that of Angelina Jolie as a UN ambassador. While her advocacy is important, for a woman in a remote Sahelian village, facing the daily terror of insurgency and a lack of clean water, a celebrity figure with whom she has no social or cultural connection is unlikely to provide the necessary inspiration or empowerment. The local reality is shaped by deeply entrenched gender roles and a daily struggle for basic needs, which must be addressed on their own terms.
Recommendations: A Foundational Approach to Empowerment
For true and lasting empowerment, a more holistic and layered approach is required, one that responds directly to the ground reality. The most immediate efforts must be focused on the foundational layers of the hierarchy of needs.
Security and Safety: In high-risk areas, a foundational approach requires moving beyond traditional security forces. It should prioritise community-led security initiatives, such as the formation of civilian vigilance committees or neighbourhood watch groups, trained and equipped to provide early warnings and protect local populations. This must be complemented by strengthening local security forces through targeted training and resources to ensure they are responsive to community needs and can effectively counter terrorist threats. Although, this should be carefully implemented especially in areas with inter-communal or inter-ethnic conflicts.
Sustenance and Relocation: When forced displacement is necessary, pre-settlement activities are crucial for a smooth and humane transition. This includes identifying safe transit routes and establishing temporary transit camps with immediate access to food, water, and emergency medical supplies. There could be a concern as some citizens might also have what they consider a safe place and a safe route. So, announcing and assuring the community first before setting off will ensure conformity.
Empowering Local Populations: Supporting communities to be more secure requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond physical protection. It should include resilience-building programs that help individuals and communities cope with the psychological scars of conflict. Furthermore, providing vocational training and micro-financing can enable women and girls to establish independent livelihoods, reducing their economic vulnerability and dependence on others.
Conclusion
War is a multifaceted tragedy, but its most enduring legacy is the way it exposes and exploits human vulnerabilities. As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of conflict, particularly in regions like the Sahel, it is imperative to move beyond simplistic solutions and embrace an approach that acknowledges the intricate and fundamental needs of both sexes. In doing so, we not only address the symptoms of conflict but also sow the seeds for a more resilient and equitable society.
References
Plümper, T., & Neumayer, E. (2005). The unequal burden of war: The effect of armed conflict on the gender gap in life expectancy. International Organization, 59(4), 723-747.
Sivakumaran, S. (2010). Sexual violence against men in armed conflict. European Journal of International Law, 21(1), 185-207.
United Nations. (2025, August 7). Escalating Terrorism in West Africa, Sahel Hits Women Hardest, Speakers Tell Security Council. UN Meetings Coverage and Press Releases. https://press.un.org/en/2025/sc16138.doc.htm
UNICRI. (2023). A Gender Needs Analysis on Preventing Violent Extremism in the Sahel. UNICRI. https://unicri.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/Voices%20of%20Resilience%20EN.pdf
