GUARDIANS OF DIGNITY: WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS IN INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

Abstract

International humanitarian law (IHL) seeks to regulate armed conflict and protect individuals, particularly those not participating in hostilities, such as civilians and prisoners of war. While IHL promotes equal protection for all, it recognizes that women face specific vulnerabilities during conflict due to their biological and social roles. As a result, IHL provides additional protections for women, addressing issues such as sexual violence, the care of pregnant women, and the protection of mothers with young children. The legal framework for women’s protection evolved through key texts, including the 1929 Geneva Convention and the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which introduced provisions explicitly safeguarding women in wartime. Notably, Additional Protocol I (1977) reinforced protections against sexual violence and ensured special care for maternity cases. Today, the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) continue advocating for women’s rights in conflict zones, though challenges persist, highlighting the need for ongoing protection efforts.