URDR researchers have explored conflict and peace processes in different countries, and the complex role of religion in both of these. The research emphasises the inter-related nature of multiple violences, where evidence shows that armed conflict also generates violence against women and against children, especially intimate partner violence.
Relevant recent research includes:
• A desk-top study for the UN Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, looking at violence and women’s inclusion in grassroots reconciliation processes. Relying on literature review, the URDR study conducted research on women’s roles in peace processes. The report argued for a gender-relational approach to conflict transformation and included case studies from different regions of the world, .
• The DFID-funded What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls Global Programme, where the URDR was research lead on the DRC-based project Engaging with Faith Groups to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls in Conflict-affected Communities, implemented by Tearfund and HEAL Africa. Outputs include a final report.
“The nexus between gender justice and reconciliation means that there is no justice and reconciliation without gender justice. If we don’t apply a gender lens to any peace-building, community-led reconciliation and mechanisms for justice we only further entrench violence and structural oppression against women, LGBTIQ+ persons and reinforce violent masculinities. If rebuilding the nation is re-imagining a better, more just society, then we must prioritise the creation of a gender-healed nation.” – Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, South Africa.