Gender Inclusivity in Peacebuilding: Micro-Course
This online course explores the impact of conflict on gender identity, norms, and roles and how gender equality can create transformative opportunities for peace.
International organizations and national governments are increasingly recognizing that in order to ensure long term stability, reconciliation and peace processes need to be inclusive of all peoples within a society. This course will answer the question, “why gender matters.” Gender is a socio-cultural construction that defines the roles and expectations that a given society ascribes to men and women, boys and girls, and sexual and gender minorities. Gender identities are therefore learned, highly malleable and particularly affected during times of violent conflict, violent extremism or natural disaster. Through a series of mixed media presentations, case scenarios and exercises, participants will explore how conflict impacts gender identities, and also how gender expectations can influence violence and create opportunities for peaceful resolution.
Course Overview
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the diversity of gender identities, and that gender is not a simple binary between the biological sex of female and male men and women.
- Learn how gender roles are affected by unexpected or prolonged violence in society, and learn central concepts and basic frameworks of gender and peacebuilding.
- Explore the varying approaches and current practices toward ensuring gender inclusivity in peacebuilding activities. Examine international frameworks and national policies that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Examine international frameworks and national policies that promote gender equality and women's empowerment.
Overview Video
Click on the video below for an overview of the course.
If you cannot view the video, click here.
Agenda
Section 1 - Introduction
Provides a basic overview of gender inclusivity in peacebuilding, key terms, concepts, and USIP's Gender Inclusive Framework.
Section 2 - Definitions and Historical Context
Defines gender inclusivity and discusses how time and society shift gender expectations.
Section 3 - Practitioner Voices
Features the work of women mediators in Colombia and, supported by USIP in collaboration with the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, explores their strategies for helping prevent and mediate disputes in their communities.
Section 4 - Theory and Practice
Explores multiple theories and approaches to gender inclusivity in peacebuilding.
Section 5 - Recommendations for the Future
Identifies recommendations for how organizations can integrate gender and gender approaches.
Section 6 - Conclusion
Provides a space for self-reflection and tests retention while earning a certificate.
Instructors and Guest Experts
Instructors
- Dr. Kathleen Kuehnast, Director of Gender Policy and Strategy, U.S. Institute of Peace
- Danielle Robertson, Program Officer, U.S. Institute of Peace
Guest Experts
- Dean Peacock, Co-founder and Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice
- Dr. Gary Barker, President and CEO, Promundo
- Dr. Virginia "Ginny" Bouvier, former Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace
- Jacqueline O'Neill, Director, Inclusive Security
- Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini, Co-founder and Executive Director, International Civil Society Action Network
- Carla Koppell, Distinguished Fellow, Georgetown University
- Atifete Jahjaga, Former President of Kosovo
- Susan Markham, International Gender and Development Advocate
