Armed conflicts have far-reaching consequences, but their impact is rarely gender-neutral. Research indicates that war affects individuals differently based on gender, often reinforcing traditional norms and expectations. Women and girls disproportionately suffer from war-related hardships, facing not only the loss of loved ones but also severe challenges such as restricted access to food and healthcare, economic instability, and an increased risk of sexual violence. In 2023 alone, the proportion of women killed in armed conflicts doubled compared to the previous year, with women accounting for 40% of civilian deaths. Additionally, cases of conflict-related sexual violence surged by 50%, underscoring the persistent gendered dimensions of war.
Meanwhile, men and boys are often subjected to forced conscription, detained as potential combatants, or expected to stay and fight, even if they seek refuge. The societal expectation that men must take up arms reinforces rigid gender roles, leaving little room for alternative paths. Many men face psychological distress due to these pressures, yet mental health support remains scarce in conflict zones. While much of the discourse on the Russia-Ukraine war focuses on geopolitical strategies and military confrontations, the role of gender norms in shaping both the conflict and peace processes remains largely overlooked. By examining how gender dynamics influence war, displacement, and post-conflict recovery, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the ongoing crisis and the challenges to sustainable peace.
Gender Roles in the Russia-Ukraine War
The epicenter of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has been ongoing since 2022, has roots that date back much further. Since Ukraine regained independence in 1991, Russia has consistently sought to keep it within its sphere of influence. In 2014, following the Euromaidan protests and the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, the Donbas conflict emerged, and Russia illegally annexed Crimea. Shortly after, Russia-backed separatist movements in Donbas led to prolonged hostilities in the region.
Eventually, these developments culminated in Russia’s full-scale intervention in Ukraine in 2022, marking the most intense phase of the conflict thus far. Wars not only cause destruction but also shape and reinforce gender norms. In conflict settings, traditional ideas of masculinity and femininity are both exaggerated and weaponized. Men are expected to take up arms, while women are often confined to caregiving roles or subjected to increased vulnerability. The Russia-Ukraine war exemplifies this trend, as it has significantly reshaped the roles of women in both military and civilian spheres.
Women’s Participation in the Armed Forces
The participation of women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine has significantly increased in recent years. As of 2023, more than 7,000 female officers, approximately 12,000 female sergeants, 23,000 female soldiers, and 1,300 female cadets were serving in the Ukrainian army. Currently, more than 4,000 women are involved in combat operations. In contrast, women’s participation in combat operations within the Russian army remains limited. In March 2023, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu stated that 1,100 women were engaged in combat operations as part of the Russian army in Ukraine. These statistics are crucial for understanding the impact of war on gender roles and gender ratios.
Gender and Peace Negotiations
Beyond frontline participation, gender roles also significantly influence peace negotiations. In the Russia-Ukraine war, men are more actively involved in peace talks, particularly on the Russian side, while women’s participation remains limited. Between 2014 and 2019, only two women represented Ukraine in negotiations: Iryna Gerashchenko and Olga Ajvazovska. In contrast, no female representatives participated on behalf of Russia. This statistic clearly demonstrates the exclusion of women from the negotiation table.
Research has shown that peace agreements are more durable and inclusive when women are involved. A man cannot fully understand the experiences and perspectives of women, making it essential to include individuals from all social groups in discussions. This inclusive approach accelerates conflict resolution and increases the likelihood of achieving sustainable peace. However, systemic barriers—such as societal stereotypes and rigid gender norms—continue to hinder women’s participation in decision-making processes.
Barriers to Women’s Participation in Peacebuilding
Several factors hinder women’s participation in peace negotiations. One of the most significant is societal expectations, which often suggest that women are not suited for leadership roles or that their emotions prevent them from making rational decisions. These deeply ingrained biases persist throughout women’s lives, limiting their access to decision-making spaces.
Another major barrier is the challenge of balancing multiple roles. Women engaged in peace efforts often struggle to reconcile professional responsibilities with family obligations, particularly in societies where traditional gender norms dictate that caregiving and household duties are primarily women’s responsibilities. Systemic barriers, such as the lack of supportive workplace policies, insufficient childcare services, and limited access to leadership positions, further compound these challenges. Women from marginalized communities—including those affected by displacement, poverty, or intersecting forms of discrimination—face even greater obstacles in accessing decision-making roles.
Structural and Cultural Shifts Toward Gender Inclusivity
Overcoming these barriers requires structural reforms, including gender-sensitive policies, institutional support for work-life balance, and the promotion of women’s leadership in peacebuilding efforts. The United Nations adopted Resolution 1325 to help women overcome obstacles, actively participate in peacebuilding, and integrate gender-sensitive approaches into peace and security processes. This was the first UN Security Council resolution to highlight the impact of conflicts on women.
Historical examples further demonstrate the importance of women’s involvement in peace processes. Monica McWilliams, for instance, played a significant role in the Northern Ireland peace process. She was one of the few women who signed the 1998 peace agreement and worked tirelessly to ensure that women’s perspectives were considered in peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. However, due to social norms, lack of access to education, and threats of violence, only a limited number of women achieve such success.
Gender Norms and Their Impact on Men
While much of the discourse on gendered challenges in peace processes focuses on women, it is essential to recognize that men also face difficulties imposed by rigid gender norms. Traditional expectations often place an undue burden on men, reinforcing notions that they must always embody strength, avoid emotional vulnerability, and take on physically demanding or high-risk roles, such as military service. These societal pressures not only limit men’s ability to express emotions freely but also create additional psychological and social burdens.
Moreover, these expectations can have significant consequences on men’s mental health. Many feel compelled to suppress emotions, avoid seeking support, or engage in harmful behaviors to conform to societal ideals of masculinity. This imbalance in gender roles ultimately affects peacebuilding efforts, as it restricts the full and authentic participation of all individuals in conflict resolution processes. Addressing these deeply ingrained norms requires a more inclusive approach that acknowledges the diverse ways in which gender roles shape experiences in both conflict and peacebuilding.
Gender norms play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of peace processes, influencing decision-making, participation, and societal perceptions of conflict resolution. These norms and stereotypes often lead to the exclusion of certain social groups from negotiations, limiting diverse perspectives that could contribute to a more comprehensive and sustainable peace. As a result, opportunities for early conflict resolution may be missed, prolonging disputes and exacerbating hostilities. By challenging rigid gender expectations for all individuals, regardless of gender identity, it is possible to create a more equitable, effective, and sustainable foundation for peace.
[Photo by Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, via Wikimedia Commons]
Firuza Rzayeva is an early-career scholar based in Baku, Azerbaijan, specializing in gender studies and the role of gender in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Economic Studies at Khazar University. The views expressed in this article are those of the author.
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