This course presents theories and approaches to the study of the gendered dimensions of peace and conflict. We will focus on the gendered aspects of all the phases of conflict cycles (before, during and after) – from conflict risk and conflict prevention to conflict management and peacemaking. The course will address thematic issues such as international normative frameworks on Women, Peace and Security, sexual violence in armed conflict, children born of war, DD&R processes, conflict mediation and peace agreements. These thematic issues will be discussed in view of the changing geopolitical landscape, militarism, and growing polarization and pushback against gender norms.

Course participants will be offered the opportunity to engage in discussions with Norwegian diplomats and practitioners with experience from advancing gender perspectives and women’s inclusion in peace processes.

The research presented and discussed will be inter-disciplinary and based on different scholarly approaches.

This is a PhD level course. Preference will be given to applicants who are currently registered for a PhD or have concrete plans for pursuing a PhD. All participants will receive a diploma from the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) proving that they have taken the course. In order to have the course recommended to be counted as a 5 ECTS course, participants must submit a paper of 4000 words, which is evaluated as passed.

The course forms part of the NORHED II project Partnership for Peace: Better Higher Education for Resilient Societies, which enables PRIO to host interested students from a range of partner universities in the Global South.

The course will take place in-person at PRIO.