Beyond Men - Challenging Gendered Dynamics of Conflict Transformation

Jun 22, 2021 | Berghof Foundation
Online
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Wars and conflicts are highly gendered phenomena. Men and boys are typically perceived as perpetrators, while women and girls are portrayed as victims. When it comes to peace processes, female voices too often remain unheard.

We want to explore the frequently overlooked gender dynamics of conflict transformation and invite you to join us for a discussion with leading peacebuilders, mediators, negotiators and policy makers on gender and conflict.

All too often it is mainly men who participate in high-level negotiations to agree on political arrangements and transitional justice after conflicts. They shape the future of a state and society and they decide whose concerns matter when dealing with the past. As a result, peace and transition processes often lead to the further marginalisation of women and people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identifications.

Female combatants, for example, are often overlooked during negotiation processes as well as when reintegrating into society after conflicts end. Also, the realities, perspectives and needs of people with different sexual orientations and gender identities have been entirely excluded in most conflict settlements.

Looking at examples from Colombia, Indonesia, Nigeria and Yemen, we will explore the following questions: What are the diverse gendered dynamics men and women experience during conflicts and in their efforts for conflict transformation? How can these gender dynamics be challenged and by whom? What can international organisations and donors supporting local actors in conflict transformation do to be more gender-sensitive and -transformative?

Who:  Berghof Foundation

Where: Online

When: 22 June 2021     Time: 02:00 PM CEST