Gender Dynamics in Conflict-Affected Middle East and North African Countries (Arabic)

When conflicts erupt in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, women are often affected first and worst. Child marriages, sexual slavery, domestic violence, and other attacks on women’s mobility, agency, and voices are the result of militarized masculinities. Understanding the distinct effects of violent conflict on women is critical for designing effective peacebuilding approaches and ensuring greater gender equality and protection for women and girls.

The Middle East and North Africa region is currently enduring instability, festering civil wars, and increasing poverty—all of which are causing massive displacement and migration with untold damage to lives, livelihoods, and physical infrastructure. In a region marked by poor governance records and inequality, the burden on the already huge gender gap is further impacted, particularly in fragile and conflict-ridden countries.

To make any gains towards improving the situation for women and girls in conflict and post-conflict zones, the peacebuilding field, policymakers, NGOs, and the international community should come together to reflect on the lessons learned thus far when it comes to protecting and building the resilience of women, both during and after war.

On March 11, USIP and American University in the Emirates hosted a virtual discussion that aimed to better understand gender dynamics in conflict by convening experts in the field and sharing the lessons learned from initiatives that build the resilience of women during war and throughout post-war recovery.

Please noteThis event is also available in English

Speakers:

Muthanna Abdul Razzaq, opening remarks

President and CEO, American University in the Emirates

Dr. Elie Abouaoun

Director, Middle East and North Africa Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace

Susan Aref

Director and Founder, Women Empowerment Organization (Iraq)

Mehrinaz El Awady

Director of Gender Justice, Population, and Inclusive Development, U.N. Economics and Social Commission for West Asia

Kathleen Kuehnast

Director, Gender Policy and Strategy, U.S. Institute of Peace

Valentine M. Moghadam

Professor of Sociology and International Affairs, Northeastern University

Nahla Yassine-Hamdan

Assistant Professor, College of Security and Global Studies, American University in the Emirates

Lina Beydoun, moderator

Director of Development, American University of Cairo (AUC)

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to help their countries solve their own problems peacefully. The Institute provides expertise, training, analysis, and support to those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world.