El-Bushra, Judy

This article describes findings from a research project on the impact of war on Somali men. It asked what are the expectations associated with masculinity and manhood, how they have been affected by war and state collapse, and what implications does this have for women and children and for society more widely. The study found […]

Do gender relations change through conflict? How might conflict itself be fuelled by aspects of gender identity? A recently completed research project that combined oral testimony with more conventional research methods concluded that conflict has undoubtedly given women greater responsibilities, and with them the possibility of exerting greater leverage in decision making and increasing their […]

Research round-up based on ‘An Intellectual history of the United Nations’ and ‘Is `Development Studies’ a discipline or a pig’s ear? Some thoughts on the 2001 UK Research Assessment Exercise’. This article is hosted by our co-publisher Taylor & Francis.

People are confused about the concept of gender as used in development planning and practice, and male-dominated institutions are still resistant to it. This is threatening the achievement of women’s rights and equality and the transformation of gender relations, argues Judy El-Bushra, and explores some definitions. This article is hosted by our co-publisher Taylor & […]

War represents transition in its most violent and bewildering form. Yet the destructive capacity of war derives not from physical violence alone but also from the deep injuries to people’s sense of themselves and their sense of identity as a member of a community. In war, both the physical and the moral underpinnings of society […]

Violence against women is a complex, worldwide, issue of human rights. It has so far been scarcely documented, and this article provides a crucial overview of the key issues. Gender-based violence is one manifestation of unequal power relations between men and women, in the realms of politics, economics, society, and culture. The authors show how […]

In areas of conflict, gender considerations are often sidelined as other goals – not least, survival – become all encompassing. But the challenge for relief agencies is to work with local NGOs to address gender issues together. Partners should see women as part of survival and rehabilitation programmes, not an impediment to them. Co-operation between […]