Mapping Global Policy in Gender-Responsive Small Arms Control

The Gender Equality Network for Small Arms Control (GENSAC) promotes gender-sensitive approaches to small arms and light weapons (SALW) control measures. The network is hosted and managed by the Center on International Cooperation at NYU. By advancing policies that increase women’s representation and participation in SALW control decision-making spaces, GENSAC creates sustainable pathways for reducing gender-based violence. The Capstone team was tasked with drafting a report outlining how the landscape has changed since a 2021 GENSAC write-up on the various international policy instruments and tools that address gender-responsive SALW control. The review of policy instruments and relevant information was performed using a mixed-methods approach of informational interviews and a content analysis of primary and secondary sources. Preliminary findings suggest a strong need for gender-disaggregated data and increased funding for gender-responsive initiatives to increase understanding and awareness, while efforts to rollback gendered language in policies undermine successes in promoting gender diversity.