Conflict and Security Challenges in the Semi-Arid Region of Sahel: Implications for Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend (Swedd)

Abstract

The semi-arid region of the Sahel area, in West and Central Africa, has been dealing with a complicated web of insecurity and conflicts. The fragile security conditions in the Sahel region, which are marked by terrorism, armed conflicts, and instability, have harmed women's social, economic, and political empowerment. Many Sahelian women lack access to economic opportunities, healthcare, education, and decision-making processes, which worsens gender inequality and vulnerability. With an emphasis on the World Bank’s (WB) Sahel Women's Empowerment and Demographic Dividend (SWEDD) initiative, this article examines the significant effects of the ongoing violence and insecurity on women's empowerment and the achievements of the demographic dividend. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study. A qualitative approach to data collection was employed in this study. Content and descriptive analysis were used in the study. Feminist theory was used to unravel the underpinnings of this study. The research findings revealed, among others, that conflict has posed a great challenge for women in the Sahel region. Secondly, great efforts have been made through SWEDD to save the ugly situation amid challenges of displacement, economic hardship, hunger, and other situations alike. This study concludes that the situation of the women is unconnected with the Sahel environment, where there are rooted conflictual socio-political, and economic issues. It is therefore recommended, among others, that there be greater local and international intervention to support the women and secure their contributions towards the improved development of the region.