This author examines the longstanding
feminist legal debate regarding the role of
international humanitarian law (IHL) in
respect to civilian women in armed conflict.
The "enforcement" school argues that women
bear so many tragic effects of armed conflict
because legal rules are not observed or
enforced. UNSCR 1325 reflects this view by
calling on parties to fully respect IHL as it
applies to women and girls. In contrast, the
"revision" school agrees that enforcement is
important, but posits that IHL reflects
masculine assumptions that do not adequately