An Academic Course On Gender, Conflict, And Peace In Africa
Course Rationale
This course should explore key issues of gender, conflict and peacebuilding in the African context. Overall,
the course should also aim to investigate how gender, violence and war have a variety of impacts upon
development in Africa, and how development concerns are intrinsically linked to peacebuilding. The course
would hence seek to analyse how each aspect of conflict, from domestic violence in peacetime to violence in
wartime, is influenced by the real and perceived needs and responsibilities of men and women. Why conflict is
gendered at critical moments is a key question, as is how men and women develop different strategies of
survival. The course ideally invites an exploration of the role gender plays in political development and
achieving sustainable peace. Women’s roles as actors as well as victims of conflict should hence be evaluated
as will gender specific peace initiatives.
Aims and Objectives
A key objective is to encourage discussion on the idea that peace and gender equality are inextricably
connected. Specific issues addressed include: theories of gender and conflict and peace; rape and sexual
violence as war crimes; peace processes and post conflict reconstruction. A practical component of the course
would aim to equip students with practical strategies and skills for adopting a gendered approach to
negotiation and mediation.
Course Methodology
The course should utilise a range of textual, web and film resources, but those attending it will be expected
to bring, share and engage with their experiences and expertise, and are invited to suggest additional
resources. The course can be conducted over a series of 5-10 two hour seminars. It is up to the course
convenor to decide how many seminars would be suitable. This course should emphasise critical reading,
independent research in areas of particular interest, and classroom discussion as well as written submissions.
Core Study questions
- How are militarism, war, conflict and peace processes gendered?
- What is a feminist approach to conflict and peacebuilding?
- How do societies heal from mass trauma and how is this gendered?
- What is transitional justice and what is its significance in relation to gendered peace?
THEMES
1. Understanding the theories of Gender, Conflict and Peacebuilding
This theme introduces a conceptual framework to help understand theories of gender, conflict and peace.
Students discuss gender and peacebuilding with particular attention to frameworks and practical methods of mainstreaming gender in peacebuilding.
There is some debate on African gender relations, constructions of masculinity and femininity, and the opportunities for structural peace that feminism offers.
The links between these debates and theories of development are drawn.
Required Readings
Donna Pankhurst, “The sex war’ and others wars: towards a Feminist approach to peace building”, in Haleh
Afshar and Deborah Eade (eds), Development, Women, and War: Feminist Perspectives, Oxfam, Oxford, 2004.
Dyan Mazurana et al, “Gender Conflict and Peacekeeping” in Dyan Mazurana, Angela Raven-Roberts and Jane
Parpart (eds), Gender Conflict and Peacekeeping Oxford: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers inc, 2005.
Karame, Kari (ed). 2004. Gender and Peacebuilding in Africa. Nordic African Institute,
http://www.peacewomenrg/resources/Organizing/TfPGenderAfrica.pdf
Elbushra, Judy and Salh Ibrahim. 2006. Cycles of Violence: Gender Relations and Armed Conflict. ACORD,
http://www.acordinternational.org/index.php/publications/Cycles_of_violence%3A_Gender_relations_and_Armed_conflict
Amisi, Bertha. 2008. “Indigenous Ideas of the Social and Conceptualising Peace in Africa”, Africa Peace and Conflict Journal. Vol. 1. No. 1.
Lewis, Desiree. 2006. “Rethinking Human Security: The Implications for Gender Mainstreaming”, in Cherly Hendricks (ed), From State Security to Human Security in Southern Africa: Policy Research and Capacity building Challenges, Monograph No. 122. Pretoria: Institute for Security Studies (ISS),
http://www.iss.org.za/static/templates/tmpl_html.php?node_id=1214&slink_id=2614&slink_type=12&link_id=21
Hudson, Heidi, 1998. “A Feminist Perspective on Human Security in Africa”, in Caring Security in Africa, Monograph 20, Pretoria, Institute for Security Studies.
University for Peace. 2005. Terms and Concepts in Peace and Conflict Studies. http://www.africa.upeace.org/documents/GlossaryV2.pdf
Recommended Additional Reading
Cockburn, Cynthia. 2007. Chapters 8 and 9, in From Where we Stand: War, Women’s Activism and Feminist Analysis. London: Zed Books.
Cynthia Cockburn. 2001. “The Gendered Dynamics of Armed Conflict and Political Violence,” in C. Moser (ed.),
Victims, Perpetrators or Actors? Armed Conflict and Political Violence. New York: Zed Books.
Caroline Moser. 2001. “The Gendered Continuum of Armed Conflict and Political Violence,” in C. Moser (ed.),
Victims, Perpetrators or Actors? Armed Conflict and Political Violence. New York: Zed Books.
Mary E. King. 2005. ‘What Difference does it make? Gender as a Tool in Building Peace’, in Dina Rodriguez and
Natukunda-Togboa (eds). Gender and Peacebuilding in Africa, University for Peace, San Jose.
Cockburn. C. 1998. The Space Between Us: Negotiating Gender and National Identities in Conflict. London and New York: Zed Books.
2. Gender dimensions of recent African conflicts
This theme discusses the gendered impact of conflicts. It highlights women’s and men’s experiences of violence
during armed conflict. The use of rape as a war strategy, and the role the state has played within this, is
discussed in relation to the role of armies and non-state actors as perpetrators of gender based violence.
There is emphasis on the need to address violence against women on the continent.
Required Readings
ISIS WICCE. 2007. Womens Experiences in Armed Conflict in Southern Sudan, 1983-2005: The Case of Juba County,
Central Equtorial State. September 2007: ISIS WICCE.
ISIS WICCE. 2008. Chapter 5. A Situation Analysis of the Women Survivors of the 1989-2003 Armed Conflict in
Liberia. Research Report done in collaboration with West African Network for Peace (WANEP) and Ministry of
Gender and Development, Liberia. Pp69-102.
Tina Sideris. 2001. ‘Rape in War and Peace: Social Context, Gender, Power and Identity’ in Sheila Meintjes,
Anu Pillay and Meredeth Tursen (eds.), The Aftermath: Women in Post Conflict Transformation, Zed Books Ltd,
London.
Judy El-Bushra, “Fused in combat: gender relations and armed conflict”, in Haleh Afshar and Deborah Eade (eds.)
‘Development, Women, and War: Feminist Perspectives’, Oxfam, Oxford, 2004.
Patricia O Daley. 2008. “Constructing a Paradigm of Violence: A Feminist Perspective on Genocidal Politics” in
Patricia Daley, “Gender and Genocide in Burundi: The Search for Space in the Great Lake Region. Oxford: James
Currey, 2008.
Turshen and Twagiramariya. 1998. “Favours to Give and Consenting Victims: The Sexual Politics of Survival in
Rwanda”, in M. Turshen and C. Twagiramariya, What Women do in Wartime: Gender and Conflict in Africa. London:Zed Books
Charli Carpenter, “Recognizing Gender-Based Violence against Civilian Men and Boys In Conflict Situations”
Security Dialogue 37 (2006), pp. 83-103.
Meredith Turshen 2001. “The Political Economy of Rape: An Analysis if Systematic Rape and Sexual Abuse of
Women during Armed Conflict in Africa” in Moser, Caroline and Clark, Fiona, eds. Victims, Perpetrators or
Actors? Armed Conflict and Political Violence. New York: Zed Books.
Recommended Additional Readings
The text of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1820, http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2008sc9364.doc.htm
Isis-WICCE, “Medical international study of war affected Kitgum District”, 2006
Carlson, Khristopher and Mazurana, Dyan. 2002. Forced Marriage within the Lords Resistance Army, Feinstein International Center,
http://www.preventgbvafrica.org/content/forced-marriage-within-lord%E2%80%99sresistance-army-0
International Alert (2005), ‘Women’s Bodies as a Battleground: Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls During
the War in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Kivu (1996-2003)’, International Alert 2005.
Meredith Turshen 2001. “The Political Economy of Rape: An Analysis if Systematic Rape and Sexual Abuse of
Women during Armed Conflict in Africa” in Moser, Caroline and Clark, Fiona, eds. Victims, Perpetrators or
Actors? Armed Conflict and Political Violence. New York: Zed Books.
Fowzia Musse. 2004. ‘War crimes against Women and Girls’ in Judy El-Bushra, and Judith Gardeber ‘Somalia - the
Untold Story: the War through the Eyes of Somali Women’. London, CIIR
Human Rights Watch (1996), “Shattered Lives: Sexual Violence During the Rwandan Genocide and its Aftermath”,
September.
Human Rights Watch (2003), “We will Kill you if you Cry: Sexual Violence in the Sierra Leone Conflict”
Human Rights Watch http://hrw.org/reports/2003/sierraleone/sierleon0103.pdf.
3. Gender and Peace Processes in the African context
This theme introduces students to elements of peace processes with a focus on peace agreements and how these
can be engendered. Women’s peacebuilding initiatives in recent African contexts are debated with discussion
experiences of women’s involvement in formal and informal peace processe. A case study on involving women in a
peace process will expose students to the challenges and opportunities for gender equality and sustainable
peace.
Documentary Films
Isis-WICCE, Juba Peace Process: Women and Justice. Video clip, 2007.
Isis-WICCE, Juba Peace Process: Women and Accountability. Video clip, 2007
Isis-WICCE, Juba Peace Process: Women and Reconciliation. Video clip, 2007
Pray the Devil Back to Hell, 2009
Required Reading
Chinkin, Christine. 2003. “Peace Agreements as a Means for Promoting Gender Equality and Ensuring
Participation of Women”, Conference paper, http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/egm/peace2003/reports/BPChinkin.PDF
Karame, Kari. 2005. “Promoting Effective Participation of Sudanese Women in the Peace Process” in Dabolt, Gumbonzvanda,
and Karame (eds). Towards Achieving the MDG’s in Sudan: Centrality of Women’s Leadership and Gender Equality. UNIFEM and Norwegian Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, http://www.unifem.org/attachments/products/TowardsAchievingMDGsInSudan_eng.pdf
UNIFEM. 2009. “Women’s Participation in Peace Negotiations: Connections between Presence and Influence”, Research
in progress, http://www.realizingrights.org/pdf/UNIFEM_handout_Women_in_peace_processes_Brief_April_20_2009.pdf
Accord, 2003 ‘Women, Peace & Security’ Conflict Trends Magazine, http://www.accord.org.za/ct/2003-3.htm
Gbowee, Leymah. 2009. “Effecting Change through Women’s Activism in Liberia”, IDS Bulletin, Volume 40, No. 2
International Crisis Group. 2006, Beyond Victimhood: Women’s Peacebuilding in Sudan, Congo, and Uganda, Africa Report Number 112
Uganda Women.s Coalition for Peace. 2007. “Views of women from north and eastern Uganda on the Peace Talks –
- Mechanisms for Accountability and Reconciliation”.
UNIFEM. 2006. “Women of Uganda Want Peace, and Peace Needs Women: Women’s Priorities for Peace in Northern
Uganda”.
UNIFEM. 2007. Women Building Peace and Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Affected Contexts: A Review of
Community-Based Approaches, Available at http://womenwarpeace.org/webfm_send/362
UNIFEM. 2005. Securing the Peace: Guiding the International Community Towards Women’s Effective Participation throughout Peace Processes (October 2005).
Recommended Additional Reading
Tripp. Aili Mari et. al (eds). 2009. “Women’s movements negotiating peace”, in African Women’s Movements: Changing Political Landscapes. Cambridge University Press.
E. Rehn and E. Johnson Sinead, “Women and Peace Operations,” in Women, War and Peace: The Independent Expert’s Assessment on the Impact of
Armed Conflict on Women and Women’s Role in Peace-building. UNIFEM. http://www.unifem.undp.org/resources/assessment/index.html
4. Gender and Post Conflict Reconstruction
Drawing examples on some recent case studies this theme examines post conflict reconstruction processes and
the extent to which gender issues have been incorporated. Students will discuss the challenges of involving
local communities, particularly women’s groups, in rebuilding society. The challenges of involving women in
demobilisation, demilitarization, and re-integration will be debated focusing on trauma healing and women’s
survival strategies. The case of reconstruction efforts in Northern Uganda and South Sudan will be discussed.
Film: Isis-WICCE, “Ray of Hope” 2004
Required Readings
Ochieng, Ruth, 2008. Interview on “Healing Work with War Survivors”, in Feminist Africa 10.
Ruth Ochieng, ‘The scars on women.s minds and bodies: Women’s roles in post-conflict reconstruction in Uganda’
in Canadian Women Studies. Vol. 22 No. 2. Fall 2002/Winter 2003
Isis-WICCE, “Review of the Peace, Recovery and Development Plan for Northern Uganda (2007-2010) from a
gender equality and women.s rights perspective”. 2008 (unpublished)
Isis-WICCE, “Consultative meeting on peace, recovery and development plan for Northern Uganda(PRDP)”.Workshop
report, 2008
Isis-WICCE, Medical Interventional Study of War Affected Gulu District, Uganda, An Isis-WICCE Research report, 2001
Isis-WICCE, Chapter on psychological impact, “Medical international study of war affected Kitgum District”, 2006
UNIFEM. 2004. “Getting it Right, Doing it Right: Gender and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration”, October.
Karin Koen. 2006. “Claiming space Reconfiguring women’s roles in post-conflict situations” (ISS Occassional
Paper 121, Feb 2006, http://www.iss.co.za/pubs/papers/121/Paper121.htm, accessed on 22nd October 2009.
UNRISD. 2005. “After conflict: Women, peace building and development Chapter 14 in Gender Equality: Striving for Justice
in an Unequal world: Striving for Justice in an Unequal World
5. Gender and Transitional Justice
The development of peace-building initiatives in Africa has been mirrored by the expansion of various models
of transitional justice. These encompass a range of judicial and non-judicial approaches adopted by post
conflict societies to address human rights abuses of the past, such as war crime tribunals and truth and
reconciliation commissions. Within these, numerous gender concerns are at play ranging from addressing the
high levels of gender-based violence frequent in conflicts, as well as recognising the numerous roles women
play beyond that of victim. This theme looks at the evolution of transitional justice mechanisms and their
success in addressing gender based human rights violations.
Hamber, B. et al. 2006. “Discourses in Transition: Re-imagining Women’s Security”, International Relations 20 (4):487.
Meintjes, S. “Gender and Truth and Reconciliation Commissions: Comparative Reflections.” Peace vs. Justice:
The Dilemma of Transitional Justice in Africa. Ed. Chandra Lekha Sriram and Suren Pillay. Scottsville, South
Africa: University of KwaZulu-Natal Press (2009) p. 96-112.
Vasuki et al. 2006 Truth Commissions and Gender Justice: Principles, Policies and Procedures (International
Centre for Transitional Justice: New York)
Vasuki N, “Discussion Lines on Gender and Transitional Justice: An Introductory Essay”, Columbia Journal of
Gender and Law 15, no. 3 (2006)
Scanlon, H. ‘Militarization, Gender and Transitional Justice in Africa’ Feminist Africa, 10 (2008), pp.31-48.
Recommended Reading
Bell, Christine and O.Rourke, Catherine. 2007. “Does Feminism Need a Theory of Transitional Justice? An
Introductory Essay”, The International Journal of Transitional Justice 1:23.
Valerie Couillard, ‘The Nairobi Declaration: Redifining Reparations for Women Victims of Sexual Violence’, The
International Journal of Transitional Justice (2007)
Rubio-Marin, Ruth. 2006. What Happened to the Women? Gender and Reparations forHuman Rights Violations, Social
Science Research Council: New York.
Kelsall, Michelle Staggs and Stepakoff, Shanee (2007) “When We Wanted to Talk About Rape: Silencing Sexual
Violence at the Special Court for Sierra Leone”, International Journal of Transitional Justice (IN PACK)
Nowrojee, Binaifer. 2005. Making the Invisible War Crime Visible: Post Conflict Justice for Sierra Leone’s
Rape Victims. Harvard Human Rights Journal. 18 pp. 85-105. (ON VULA)
Valerie Couillard, The Nairobi Declaration: Redefining Reparations for Women Victims of Sexual Violence, The
International Journal of Transitional Justice (2007)
Hamber, Brandon et al. 2006. “Discourses in Transition: Re-imagining Women’s Security”, International
Relations 20 (4):487.
Rubio-Marin, Ruth. 2006. What Happened to the Women? Gender and Reparations for Human Rights Violations,
Social Science Research Council: New York.
Franke, Katherine M. “Gendered Subjects of Transitional Justice.” Columbia Journal of Gender and Law 15, no. 3
(2006): 813-828
Women’s Initiatives for Gender Studies. Amicus briefs of Prosecutor v. Thomas Lubanga of September and
November 2006, Available at: http://www.iccwomen.org/publications/briefs/index.ph
Sarah Y. Lai & Regan E. Ralph, “Female Sexual Autonomy and Human Rights”, Harvard Human Rights Journal 8 201-
226 (1995)
Teaching Gender, Conflict & Peace: A Review Essay 
