The widespread availability and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW) can intensify insecurity, facilitate gender-based violence, and contribute to risks of conflict-related sexual violence. Developed by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), this training manual offers practical tools and guidance for incorporating gender considerations into arms control policy, programming, legislation, and operational activities.
The resource was produced through a European Union-funded UNODA initiative implemented from 2019 to 2022 that aimed to strengthen the integration of gender perspectives across efforts to prevent and address the diversion, trafficking, and misuse of small arms and light weapons. Alongside the manual, UNODA developed complementary learning materials, including a specialized annex and an online training course, to support policymakers, practitioners, security actors, and civil society organizations.
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Building on this work, UNODA has continued to advance gender-responsive approaches to small arms control through subsequent capacity-building initiatives. As a member of UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action), UNODA also promotes the role of arms control and disarmament in addressing drivers of violence and supporting conflict prevention. Growing international attention to the relationship between the proliferation of small arms and conflict-related sexual violence further underscores the relevance of this resource for policymakers and practitioners working across the peace, security, disarmament, and Women, Peace and Security agendas.
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