This event examines gender-based violence in armed conflict through a dual lens: the lived realities of survivors and the political forces that shape how such violence is represented, addressed, and often instrumentalised. Together, the panelists use field-based insights and storytelling to discuss how justice in conflict can be achieved through participation, accountability, and reparations.
Women’s agency in conflict and post-conflict settings has gained growing attention since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2000. Consequently, women are not just seen as victims of conflict, but also as agents of change. Yet in an era marked by rising authoritarianism, proliferating conflicts, and growing militarisation, many commitments of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda remain stalled or are regressing. As violence escalates across multiple regions, this timely discussion revisits a central question: What diverse roles do women play in war?
This event examines gender-based violence in armed conflict through a dual lens: the lived realities of survivors and the political forces that shape how such violence is represented, addressed, and often instrumentalised. Drawing on in-country work with women affected by conflict-related violence, the discussion challenges the persistent framing of women as passive victims. Instead, it highlights their survivorship, resilience, and agency. Together, the panelists use field-based insights and storytelling to discuss how justice in conflict can be achieved through participation, accountability, and reparations.
These themes are also explored through current controversial cases, such as the rape of a male Palestinian detainee by Israeli soldiers in a detention facility, which was captured on camera and later leaked by the IDF’s own female military lawyer, sparking national and international debate. This incident raises urgent questions about the symbolic power of sexual and gender-based violence in wartime.
Finally, the discussion turns to global feminist advocacy and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, now marking its 25th anniversary. Has the agenda been successful in transforming women’s agency on the ground? Where does it stand with the current global shift towards masculinist power politics? Together, the conversation probes the politics and the narratives that define who is seen and heard in conflict, and explores how survivors’ dignity and agency can be reaffirmed within global feminist policy and practice.
Note: This event includes the 3rd EUI-wide Gathering: Spotlight on Gender & Equality in Research and Action. All are welcome and encouraged to come to connect and exchange ideas on strengthening interdepartmental connections, enhancing coordination and communication, as well as fostering possible collaborations among EUI members working on gender and equality-related initiatives
Speakers: Professor Ruth Rubio Marin, Valentina Bacchin, Laura Rahm, Revital Madar, Maria Groeneveld.
Organisers: MAREA Collective, Annemijn Vanmarle, Laurie Spafford, Chiara Pirozzi, Sabina Párraga Pérez.
Co-convener: Dr. Laura Rahm.
You can contact the MAREA Collective at marea.stg@eui.eu
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