Social policy in conflict situations: The case of Somalia

Using a feminist conflict theory approach, this paper examines how social reproduction in Somalia shapes and is affected by war and conflict. What has been the effect of war, particularly the destruction of social infrastructure critical for social reproduction, on gender inequality, women’s welfare, and increased vulnerability to violence? To what extent has informal Somali humanitarian assistance filled the vacuum created by absent or weak administrative institutions to compensate for the lack of infrastructure and services that foster social reproduction? In sites including Mogadishu, Garowe, Kismayo, and Galkayo, preliminary evidence reveals multiple effects of war and conflict on gender equality due to restricted availability of services that are crucial for social reproduction, with a heavy toll on women and girls.