Conflict, peace and security researchers broaden their knowledge of gender analysis

The importance of conflict, peace and security research and analyses is growing globally. Integrating a gender perspective into this research and analysis process is also becoming particularly relevant. Consequently, UN Women in Georgia regularly works with field experts and researchers on sharing specific knowledge in this field.

From 9 to 11 September, UN Women, in cooperation with the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies (Rondeli Foundation), held training in Borjomi regarding the integration of gender perspectives into conflict, peace and security research and analysis. It was attended by 10 leading experts and researchers from civil society organizations and think tanks operating in Georgia.

In the training, the participants learned about various issues, including the gendered impact of war and conflict, and the role of women in peace and security decision-making processes. One important part of the course was the application of tools, methods and approaches for gender analysis within research. The participants were introduced to successful practical examples while, at the same time, improving their professional skills in integrating a gender perspective into their peace, conflict and security analysis process.

“The training gave me the opportunity to realize how important it is to analyze conflict, peace and security issues from a gender perspective and how that perspective and analysis are used at all stages of conflict resolution, peacebuilding and security initiatives, as well as in the research process of these areas,” stated Tamar Bortsvadze, one of the representatives of the Rondeli Foundation. “Our foundation is determined to strengthen its analytical and programme directions with gender-sensitive, transformational approaches, for which this training will be greatly helpful to us.”

Andrzej Klimczyk, an expert from the Georgian Strategic Analysis Center, emphasized the importance of gender issues: “This training showed us how important it is to integrate gender analysis into all research projects, primarily while working on conflict, peacebuilding and security issues. This year, we are holding two conferences on the topic of conflicts in the South Caucasus, and I am planning to include the issues of women, peace and security into the agenda.”

The training was organized as part of the UN Women “Accelerating Implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Georgia” project, generously funded by the UK Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.