Frequently Asked Questions


1. What is gender?

Different cultures have different ideas of what it is suitable for men and women to do and to be. "Gender" refers to how women and men's roles, social relationships and expectations are built by society. Gender is also about the balance of power between men and women. Gender justice encourages the greatest possible participation of both women and men on equal terms in society.

2. What is the difference between gender and sex?

Sex refers to the biological differences between men and women. In general, sex is fixed. Gender, on the other hand, refers to cultural ideals and expectations about masculinity and femininity. Gender changes from culture to culture and often changes within a culture during a crisis situation like war, when women may take on traditional male roles, such as heads of families, industrial workers or soldiers.

3. Isn't gender really only about women? Isn't it divisive?

We are all affected by gender, and gender justice or injustice affects us all. Gender injustice, or the imbalance of power between men and women, is a serious obstacle to a culture of peace. Men and women, boys and girls, must confront gender injustice together in order to create a peaceful and just world. A gender approach recognizes the already existing, but sometimes not talked about or 'invisible', differences that exist between men and women's positions in society, in order to heal the division.

4. How are we affected by gender?

From the moment we are born! Boys are often socialized to deny their feelings and to prove their worth by dominating or competing with others. Control or power over others (especially over women and girls) and violence may be seen as signs of masculinity. Such socialization undermines the human dignity of everyone. Men and boys are often brutalized in order to prepare them for military service. War itself is gender violence against men, as men and boys are forced to kill.

Girls are often socialized to deny their intellect and to prove their worth by always placing the needs of others first. Passivity and silently accepting injustice may be seen as signs of femininity. Such socialization undermines human dignity and fosters victimization. Protection of women and girls is used in propaganda to incite or justify war. War itself is gender violence against women, as sexual violence is used as a weapon of war.

5. How is gender about power and justice?

In many cultures, male experiences and perspectives are seen as the norm. Masculine behavior, however that is defined, is taken as the standard. The exercise of power, especially in public, is seen as masculine. Such a power imbalance can result in women and girls having little or no say in decisions that affect their lives. Their voices are silenced and their experiences marginalized. Because gender is constructed by society, harmful stereotypic notions of male and female roles can be challenged. Injustice that may be a result of an unequal power relationship can be changed.


Photos courtesy of WPP archives

6. Gender violence is a “women's issue” so why should peace movements deal with it?

Gender violence is an issue for everyone. The level of violence against women and girls in peacetime is an important indicator about how just a society really is. Increased violence against women and girls is an early warning sign of escalating conflict. Survivors of gender violence during war, such as the women and girls systematically raped during the conflicts in Rwanda and the Balkans, know that reconciliation is impossible without gender justice. The silence around sexual violence against men and boys during war must also be broken. Peace movements cannot ignore the increased militarization of women, the skills and leadership women and girls bring to peacebuilding, nor how gender expectations encourage men to fight.

7. Why is a gender perspective important for my organization?

Because of both sex and gender differences, men and women have different needs. A gender perspective recognizes that the design and impact of any particular program may not be the same for both men and women. It takes these different needs and perspectives into account. This results in more effective policies and programs. A gender perspective can also mean a stronger group with more members, more support from funders, and a wider pool of potential leaders.

8. Why is gender important for IFOR?

Gender is important for all peace and justice movements, including IFOR. The root of active nonviolence is the search for justice. Gender justice is one pillar of a culture of peace. Gender justice celebrates the message of liberation proclaimed by all the world's major religions, and which applies equally to women and men.

A gender perspective gives important insights into the work for peace. Ideas about masculinity and femininity lie at the roots of violence, and are used to support armed conflicts. There is a continuum of violence, from domestic violence to violence in the public sphere, which every peace and justice movement must challenge. The thinking that gives rise to armed conflict has its roots in the unequal power relationship between men and women.

9. Does having more women in leadership positions make any difference? Look at Margaret Thatcher!

Women can bring new and different perspectives. Women's peace groups in Northern Ireland, Liberia, Cambodia and elsewhere have made important political steps towards peace. Women's leadership is a valuable resource for peace. One token woman in leadership is not enough. Studies indicate that when a certain critical number is reached usually 30 to 35 per cent of staff or leadership organizations begin to show real changes in policies and practice.

10. How can my (IFOR) branch become more gender aware?

Start asking questions! Is there a gender balance among your leadership, staff and membership? Does a particular decision have a different impact on women than on men? Do budget decisions benefit one gender over the other? How is gender incorporated in your nonviolence trainings? How are issues of difference dealt with in your branch? The IFOR Women Peacemakers Program (WPP) can help branches by providing materials and training on gender.


If you have questions that have not been answered here, do not hesitate to contact us >