Action-oriented research and advocacy

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Action-oriented research and advocacy

Gender Associations employs participatory and action-oriented research and analysis to ensure that the development of any intervention, policy or programme supports the advancement of diversity and gender equality rather than exacerbates already existing inequalities. Gender-responsive conflict and context analyses, for example, provide greater insight into existing social imbalances and unequal power dynamics, which are often root causes of conflict and political unrest. In order to measure the success and effectiveness of interventions and initiatives towards peace, the dimensions of gender and diversity must be integrated into the monitoring and evaluation process.

FEATURED

PROJECTS

Capturing Inequalities to Plan for Lasting Peace

2020 - Bolivia, Brazil & Chile

In 2020, Gender Associations received project funds from ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen) to develop action-oriented advocacy with local women’s organizations and peacemakers in Bolivia, Brazil and Chile. The ultimate aim was to contribute to conflict and crisis prevention, stabilization and a more comprehensive implementation of UNSCR 1325 in the region. The project included a participatory and intersectional gender-sensitive context assessment, participatory and interactive workshops and the development of action-oriented advocacy papers. One result of these activities was the identification of gender- and conflict-sensitive early warning indicators capturing the root causes of possible conflict, existing inequalities and social tension, including the role of the security sector in the selected countries.

The Other Side of the Mirror - Perceptions of Germany’s commitment to women, peace and security

2021 - Afghanistan, Colombia, Mali, Ukraine

In the context of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325), the German Federal Foreign Office commissioned Gender Associations to conduct a study of global perceptions of Germany’s commitments to implement the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda. To produce this study, Gender Associations conducted surveys and around 100 in-depth interviews with leading international experts, UN agencies, regional organizations, governmental representatives, NGOs, academics and activists working on WPS issues. In addition, field research was conducted by Gender Associations local experts in Afghanistan, Colombia, Mali and Ukraine – countries where Germany is actively contributing to WPS issues ‘on the ground’. The study highlights both the positive results and the remaining challenges and gaps in Germany’s commitments to implement the WPS agenda.

Mapping of Women, Peace and Security Stakeholders in West Africa and Advice on Establishment of the ECOWAS WPS Steering Group

2022 - West Africa

Gender Associations is currently supporting the ECOWAS Commission by conducting a mapping of WPS-relevant actors, issues and initiatives across the 15 ECOWAS Member States to enhance the continuous implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. This initiative is implemented with the technical and financial support of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development co-financed ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) Project. EPSAO is implemented with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ GmbH).

Entry points and Implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in the Americas

2021 - Las Americas

In the context of increasing social and political tensions and conflicts in the region, with differing and sometimes disproportionate impacts on women, and a significant underrepresentation of women in leadership and decision-making positions, the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) contracted Gender Associations in 2021 to develop an advocacy strategy and trainings to advance the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in the region. This collaboration included a mapping of relevant WPS actors; development of an advocacy strategy with concrete recommendations to strengthen women’s leadership and the positioning of CIM; and the creation of a virtual training on the WPS agenda in the Americas.