The UNDP Asia Pacific Gender Equality Dispatch #6

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34 The UNDP Asia Pacific Gender Equality Dispatch November 2020 I see gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women (VAW) as a symptom of a much wider societal issue that has far-reaching implications for conflict and violence more generally: harmful constructions of masculinity and gender. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen enormous spikes in levels of violence against women and girls within Asia and around the world, but we have also seen increases in factors that are known contributors to violent extremism such as the spread of disinformation, human rights challenges, and increased online recruitment. These different forms of violence are regarded as being the result of very different factors. But what if there is a factor underlying both types of violence that links them more closely than we might think? Recently, more light has been shed on how harmful constructions of masculinity and what it means to be a man are influencing violent extremist radicalization and recruitment. This made me think about why we aren’t speaking more about how harmful masculinity is a factor contributing to VAW and GBV. A recent report by UNDP and UN Women found that the social norms, attitudes and structures that normalize gender-based violence also contribute to the violent conflict and extremism. The research outlined that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) can actually serve as a predictive indicator for incidents of violent extremism and terrorism. Rather than being viewed as unconnected, violent conflict and violence against women should be viewed as part of a continuum. The impact of harmful gender norms and constructions of masculinity in the context of conflict prevention and peacebuilding is still a relatively under-researched area. But we have seen through the Conflicting Identities study that these harmful notions of what it means to be a man can prescribe violence as a way of achieving control, honour, and power. More research is needed in other international development sectors to see how harmful gender norms may be undermining progress. If we can better understand the social norms around masculinity and power that contribute to both sexual and gender-based violence and violent extremism, we can better understand and tackle the harmful gender norms that contribute to both forms of violence and build a future where everyone can feel safe at home and in their communities. Authored by: Isabella Caravaggio, Community Engagement Coordinator (Preventing Violent Extremism, UNDP
The UNDP Asia Pacific Gender Equality Dispatch November 2020 35 Shifting Sands, Social Media and Strategic Communications to Enhance Women, Peace and Security Narratives We are all born with an innate ability and need to communicate. This inalienable trait is essential to distributing lifesaving information, and cultivating shared values. All of this is not new, but like many aspects of daily life, its relevance has been enhanced by the proliferation of social media and digital technology. As development practitioners, we need to ask ourselves if we are keeping up with the speed at which new discourse and language is formed? Women, Peace and Security (WPS) is an agenda that is not easily recognized in public imagination. Its pillars are broad: ranging from prevention and protection of women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence and discrimination, to encouraging their active participation in recovery and reconstruction in conflict-affected regions. With such a broad mandate, it touches on thematic portfolios varying in range within SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 16: Promotion of Just, Inclusive and Peaceful Societies. Twenty years since the adoption of the WPS founding United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, much remains to be done for the effective implementation and advocacy of these pillars.
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The UNDP Asia Pacific Gender Equality Dispatch #6

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