Despite years of efforts aimed at expanding women’s rights and opportunities in Iraq and Afghanistan, women in those countries face major obstacles in consolidating these gains. Recognizing that women’s empowerment contributes significantly to stability,… Read more
Since Haiti’s devastating January 2010 earthquake, women have played a vital role in their country’s response to the catastrophe. This Peace Brief, by USIP's Robert Maguire, discusses the pivotal roles women are playing in matters of family, education,… Read more
This brief is based on recent discussions USIP held in Kabul on traditional dispute resolution (TDR) and women’s rights. Based on these discussions and USIP’s research, it outlines recommendations on how to increase access to justice for women. Sylvana Q… Read more
The creation of a new state gives the women of South Sudan a rare chance to enhance their security, economic empowerment, and participation in governance. Summary South Sudan’s independence ends decades of conflict as well as socioeconomic and political… Read more
Robert Maguire, Chairman of USIP's Haiti Working Group, analyzes the various aspects of security – political, economic, personal and criminal – in Haiti.SummaryPresident Michel Martelly takes office at a time when Haitians are frustrated with the pace… Read more
Over the past year, USIP’s Gender and Peacebuilding Center of Innovation has hosted a series of events entitled “The Other Side of Gender." This series of events, which sought to broaden the gender lens and create a more nuanced research agenda, have… Read more
This report is based on views expressed during an August 31, 2010, event, “Security after the Quake? Addressing Violence and Rape in Haiti,” hosted by the U.S. Institute of Peace’s Gender and Peacebuilding Center and the Haiti Working Group.SummaryIn the… Read more
This report examines women’s roles in peacebuilding, postconflict reconstruction, and economic development. It draws on discussions at the conference on "The Role of Women in Global Security," held in Copenhagen on October 29–30, 2010, and co-hosted by… Read more
This Peace Brief highlights key issues that must be resolved to ensure Afghan women’s continued political participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections on September 18, 2010 and beyond.SummaryFree and fair elections in Afghanistan are a crucial… Read more
Summary United Nations Security Council Resolution 1820 signals a new movement in the international community to recognize widespread sexual violence against women in conflict as a threat to international peace and security. Research on sexual and gender… Read more
In late May 2010, the Afghan government will convene a Peace Jirga in Kabul to determine a national reintegration and reconciliation strategy. Afghan women have played a variety of social and political roles during the last three decades of conflict,… Read more
The challenges of effectively addressing sexual and gender-based violence in war torn communities are daunting. This Peace Brief describes the pivotal role the health sector can play, obstacles to its exercising these needed functions, and steps that can… Read more