scholarly journals Navigating vulnerabilities and masculinities: How gendered contexts shape the agency of male sexual violence survivors

2020 ◽  
pp. 096701062092917
Author(s):  
Heleen Touquet ◽  
Philipp Schulz

In dominant global conceptions of conflict-related sexual violence, the experiences of male survivors, if attended to at all, have thus far almost exclusively been analysed in terms of vulnerabilities. Drawing on empirical evidence from two different cases (Uganda and Croatia), in this article we argue that essentializing and static generalizations of ‘emasculation’ fail to do justice to the complexity of male survivors’ experiences. We show that, in the two cases we examine, male survivors exercise agency and find different ways of engaging with their harmful experiences. Survivors’ agency is shaped and conditioned by different opportunity structures, and thus largely dependent on local gender relations and constructions of masculinity. To build our argument, we take inspiration from feminist international relations scholarship highlighting the active roles of women and girls as agents within the context of armed conflict, extending such analysis to the experiences of male survivors of sexual violence. By systematically analysing the forms and conditions of the agency of male survivors of sexual violence, we offer a more holistic examination of the dynamics of wartime sexual violence, contributing conceptually and empirically to research both on local/civilian agency in wartime and on conflict-related sexual violence.

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
pp. 1832-1859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Ulrich Nagel

To what extent, does sexual violence influence the likelihood of conflict management in intrastate conflicts? Despite a growing body of research that explores conflict-related sexual violence, the literature presents little insight on its effects on conflict resolution. Extending feminist international relations (IR) theory to intrastate conflicts and applying a gender lens to the power to hurt argument, I argue that when rebel sexual violence is public knowledge, the likelihood of conflict management increases because the state perceives it as a threat to its masculinity. I systematically test this argument on all intrastate conflict years from 1990 to 2009 using the Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict and the Civil War Mediation data set. The results provide robust support for the argument. This presents an important refinement of traditional rationalist conflict bargaining theories and opens new avenues for the research and practice of conflict management.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 469-498
Author(s):  
Ingrid Elliott ◽  
Coleen Kivlahan ◽  
Yahya Rahhal

Abstract The limited accountability achieved to date for sexual violence in conflict has largely reflected one specific form: the rape of women and girls. Investigation, prosecution and convictions for other forms of sexual violence have lagged behind significantly. This is the case for sexual violence against men and boys. Using detailed data from over 130 expert medical reports of Syrian male former detainees, the article contrasts known typology of male sexual violence in conflict with penal codes and case law across a range of jurisdictions. It also considers the broader challenges for access to justice, reparation and recovery for such victims and survivors of these crimes. The article then turns to examine how these gaps might be bridged to provide better access and outcomes for justice to male survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. It explores a local Syrian interdisciplinary approach using medical expert documentation which has opened up investigation and awareness of male sexual violence. Lastly, it sets out concluding recommendations for approaching male sexual violence in national investigations and prosecutions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e59057
Author(s):  
Mariana Germana Miquelino Alves de Oliveira

Neste artigo, buscamos entender as implicações das relações de gênero para a resolução de conflitos armados e as possíveis contribuições resultantes da inclusão de mulheres nos processos de paz. À luz das teorias feministas das Relações Internacionais, propomos a hipótese de que não se pode compreender amplamente as dinâmicas de um conflito armado sem considerar a influência das relações de gênero para a sua eclosão e continuidade e, por conseguinte, não se pode implementar medidas de resolução que sejam plenamente eficientes. Mais do que isso, sugerimos que as mulheres sejam parte ativa dos esforços de construção da paz  para que esse processo  se torne mais representativo e possa responder também às fontes de insegurança feminina.Palavras-chave: Resolução de conflitos; Construção da paz; Mulheres.ABSTRACTIn this article, we seek to understand the implications of gender relations for the resolution of armed conflicts and the possible contributions resulting from the inclusion of women in peace processes. In the light of feminist theories of International Relations, we propose the hypothesis that one cannot fully understand the dynamics of armed conflict without considering the influence of gender relations for its outbreak and continuity and, therefore, resolution measures that are fully efficient cannot be implemented. Furthermore, we suggest that for the peace process to become more representative and to respond to sources of female insecurity as well.Keywords: Conflict resolution; Peace building; Women. Recebido em: 10/04/2021 | Aceito em: 27/07/2021. 


1999 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 713-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
PATRICIA A. WASHINGTON

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1112-1120
Author(s):  
Yulfira Riza ◽  
Titin Nurhayati Mamun ◽  
I Syarief Hidayat ◽  
Ikhwan

Purpose: This study aims to describe gender harmonization in al Mu'āsharah's manuscript by Sheikh Abdul Laṭīf Syakūr. This concept is considered as Syakūr's understanding of gender equality, as one of the 17 goals in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from an Islamic perspective. Methodology: The analysis of this manuscript uses a descriptive-analytic method to bring up the facts in the manuscript which are then analyzed according to the targets and indicators contained in SDGs 5 formulation on gender equality. Main Findings: This research presents the concept of gender relations in al Mu’āsharah leading to Islamic gender equality as an elaboration of rights and obligations between husband and wife. The existence of women in career and the sustainability of education is fairness according to Shakūr. Likewise, in sexual relations, Syakūr stressed the importance of women getting the same thing as men. Through this research, it is found that there is gender harmonization presented by Shakūr in al mu’āsharah with the concept of fastabiqulkhairat as a form of gender relations in an Islamic family towards real gender equality. Implications/Applications: This research provides an overview of the role of gender harmonization in SDG. Novelty/Originality of this study: Gender equality, which is the goal of the SDGs 5 to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, has relevance to ancient manuscripts of the archipelago. This study highlights that gender equality can be enjoyed by the people of the archipelago following the evolving culture and customs. Just like the actual gender equality goals of the SDGs, women should be honored and respected, to create a gender equality discourse.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document