Integrating
a gender perspective
in SALW control

While progress has been made in integrating gender perspectives into arms control policies and practices, challenges remain, particularly in addressing firearm misuse in domestic and gender based violence.

To tackle this issue, following a comprehensive and collaborative process, the Guidelines for assessing and addressing risks related to firearms misuse in domestic violence  and the Guidelines for Gender-Responsive Firearm License Approval were finalized and launched in mid-2024.

‍To support their implementation, two regional trainings of trainers were organized:

• A Regional Training of Trainers  on the use of the Guidelines for assessing and addressing risks of firearms misuse in domestic violence was held in May 2024 in Montenegro aiming to establish a regional pool of trainers to disseminate knowledge within their institutions.
• A Regional Training of Trainers on applying the Guidelines for Gender-Responsive Firearms License Approval also took place in November 2024 in Montenegro, equipping participants with practical skills for implementing the Guidelines and delivering similar training sessions.

Trainings on the application of the Guidelines in each jurisdiction are planned to be implemented in 2025.

Furthermore, a Regional Advanced Training on Gender and SALW for SALW Commissions, held in October 2024 in Montenegro, enhanced institutional capacities for gender-responsive SALW policymaking and inter-institutional cooperation between SALW Commissions and gender equality agencies. The training addressed a wide range of issues, such as gender dimensions of firearms misuse, the role of firearms in domestic violence, gender aspects of firearm suicides, and links between gender norms and demand for firearms. In addition, with UNODA’s support, participants were informed about relevant international frameworks and regional normative frameworks.

² Both Guidelines were developed through an extensive regional process involving two working groups: one of police officers experienced in dealing with domestic violence and another of officer shandling firearms licensing and background checks. Region-wide consultations included 15 focus group discussions with 68 police officers and 17 women's organizations supporting domestic violence survivors, resulting in 15 in-depth reports. After drafting the Guidelines, an additional round of consultations with the working groups were held to refine their structure and content, ensuring practical applicability. Five women's organizations participated in a peer review process, focusing on addressing the safety concerns of domestic violence victims.