Deconstructing women, peace and security: a critical review of approaches to gender and empowerment

Abstract

Deconstructing Women, Peace and Security offers a critical review and analysis of many gender-based efforts implemented since 2000, including empowerment policies, strategies, and an in-depth study of four particular cases. It calls out the need for conceptualising gender as a social structure in policy construction. It assesses the good intentions of policies designed and implemented with core beliefs they will be good for women. It provides an important case-based analysis of what is (and is not) working. The book's critical review of the rights and protection of women and empowerment efforts is organised around initiatives in nearly a dozen African countries. The data are also informed (and confirmed) outside the continent in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Indonesia. The authors have unique expertise and provide solid case-based analysis of many empowerment initiatives. Promoting women's empowerment has become an unequivocal objective of many governments, development organisations and international agencies. While important initiatives have been put in place, education campaigns for men and women regarding human rights, gender empowerment and efforts to create sustainable peace are still sorely needed. The book offers case-based data to engender inclusivity in all peace and security processes.