Gender and Conflict

At Crisis Group, our fieldwork demonstrates that intricate political transitions, long-running insurgencies, and conflicts driven by competition for economic resources are often powerfully shaped by the differentiated roles and experiences of men and women. We believe charting these dynamics will provide policymakers with a rigorous, realistic and field-based view of how to take these varying realities into account in pursuing conflict prevention strategies, and implementing their commitments with respect to the Women, Peace and Security framework established by U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325.

Floor Keuleers

Senior Analyst, Gender and Conflict

Cristal Downing

Project Director, Gender and Conflict

Timeline

Ukraine’s Male Travel Ban and the Protection of Civilians in Wartime

This week on War & Peace, Olga Oliker and Elissa Jobson speak with Charli Carpenter, director of the Human Security Lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, about the perception and the gendered effects of Ukraine’s male travel ban and ways for better protecting civilians in wartime. 

Q&A / Gender and Conflict

Strengthening the Response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

The UN Security Council will soon consider the Secretary-General’s annual report on sexual violence in conflict. In this Q&A, Crisis Group experts Cristal Downing and Floor Keuleers discuss causes and consequences of such violence – and the importance of sexual and reproductive health care for survivors.

“I Don’t Want to Disappear”: How Mexico’s Criminal Violence Reshapes Women’s Lives

As crime rises in Mexico, women are in particular danger – of “disappearance”, kidnapping, sexual assault and murder. The state has taken some steps to address this crisis, but it can do much more. 

Also available in Español

Comfort Ero’s Reading List for International Women’s Day

For International Women's Day, Crisis Group's President and CEO Comfort Ero shares her reading list drawing from ten publications on the role of women in today's conflicts and how they experience violence, whether as victims, fighters or peacemakers.

Report / Asia

Taliban Restrictions on Women’s Rights Deepen Afghanistan’s Crisis

The Taliban have barred women from universities and many workplaces, compelling several aid organisations to pause operations in Afghanistan and donors to contemplate cuts to assistance. Yet the principled response remains to mitigate the harm these harsh rulings are doing to the most vulnerable Afghans.

Also available in دری, پښتو
People hold candles as they take part in an anti-coup night protest at Hledan junction in Yangon, Myanmar, March 14, 2021.
Briefing / Asia

Breaking Gender and Age Barriers amid Myanmar’s Spring Revolution

Politics in Myanmar is traditionally the domain of older men, but women and youth have been prominent in resistance to the 2021 military takeover. Giving them a bigger voice could have a positive effect on the country's political culture, no matter how the crisis ends.

Also available in Burmese, 简体中文

In The News

23 Feb 2022
The authorities [in Cameroon] should persecute those who are responsible for crimes and include women in the peace process. VOA

Arrey Elvis Ntui

Consulting Senior Analyst, Cameroon

Subscribe to Crisis Group’s Email Updates

Receive the best source of conflict analysis right in your inbox.