Panel 3: Kelly-Jo Bluen, Séraphine Kilongozi Musambi, Delphine Djiraïbé, Fanta Doumbia, Tshegofatso Senne and Sithembile Mbete. bm the ‘justice system needs to communicate how to better and more effectively provide access to justice to victims and survivors’. Muturi noted that the increase in the number of women in leadership roles in several countries has seen a prioritisation of physical and mental health initiatives, which are key elements of the rehabilitative process for survivors. She also highlighted the role of women in conflict prevention, and particularly in the disarmament process. BRENDA MUTURI Independent Consultant Policy structures and gaps in terms of accountability for sexual violence in South Sudan and Nigeria Drawing on work in South Sudan and Nigeria, Muturi’s presentation started from the premise that women are treated poorly at all levels within the continuum of armed conflict, which she attributes to deeply entrenched patriarchy and cultural norms. She noted that these are not isolated to conflict, but rather escalate during conflict. For Muturi, there is a need to eradicate the root causes of conflict if women’s rights are to be fostered. She emphasised that civil society needs to engage in this process in a collaborative manner with government. Muturi called for the mapping of conflict-prone areas to ensure gender-sensitive preparedness and the cultivation of safe spaces. In particular, she argued the importance of the availability of dignity kits and rehabilitation. She articulated the importance of the engagement of more women in peace processes, as various studies have illustrated that including women in negotiations has ensured longer-lasting peace. Muturi further argued that Muturi also emphasised the challenges, and the importance of reintegration, of victims into society, as survivors are often shunned. Muturi highlighted several ways in which accountability gaps related to sexual and genderbased violence might be addressed. She noted that, while soldiers should protect civilians, there have been instances where the agencies that are meant to protect also perpetuate the crimes they are mandated to prevent. This impunity should be addressed and government must work with the UN to impose zero tolerance of these types of crimes. Muturi also emphasised the challenges, and the importance of reintegration as victims and survivors are often shunned. In this regard, Muturi emphasised the importance of sensitisation programmes specific to the plight of sexual and gender-based violence victims and survivors. PANEL 3: Accountability gaps in approaches to sexual and gender-based violence /13