Priority SED issues relating to gender and peacebuilding a) Promoting and accelerating broad-based sustainable socio-economic development One of the indicators that the APRM examine under this objective is the obligation of states to strengthen the capacities of the poor to undertake income generating activities. Member states under review are encouraged to demonstrate results areas in services relating to information and water, sanitation, social protection, education, health, communication technologies. Furthermore, environmental management and sustainability is integrated as a key feature of sustainable socioeconomic development in the promotion of social welfare. A causal effect link exists between inequality (including gender inequality), multidimensional poverty and conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2017, 11 out of 20 African countries were identified as having the highest likelihood of conflict globally, driven by poverty and inequality.311 By 2011, no conflict affected country had attained a single millennium development goal.312 In times of peace, women’s security often hinges on the distribution of resources at the familial, community and state level. This may offer social protections of sorts, depending on the status of the women and the resilience of the state in equitable distribution of services. However, conflict disrupts human and financial resources and service delivery, affecting women’s socio- economic status negatively. Target 5(a) of SDG 5 calls on states to undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources and access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws. These rights are critical for women’s empowerment, livelihoods and social status, particularly in the recovery period where women may face challenges in struggling economies. In the recovery phase, governments are looking to rebuild socio-economic frameworks, but the reality is often that of destroyed physical and service infrastructures. 311 UNDP ‘Income Inequality Trends in sub-Saharan Africa: Divergence, Determinants and Consequences’ UNDP 2017, UN NY 312 The World Bank ‘World Development Report 2011; Conflict, Security and Development’ The World Bank, 2011, Washington DC 100