Since gender dynamics impact nearly every conflict, their consideration in peacebuilding efforts is essential. Historically and to this day, women and queer communities are being disproportionately affected by violence while facing exclusion from political decision-making due to entrenched misogyny and patriarchal structures. Meanwhile, evolving representations of masculinity and societal expectations surrounding it continue to either fuel violence or to foster peace.
In the December edition of the à propos, we take a closer look at the intersection of gender and peacebuilding in Latin America. This region faces some of the most prevalent gender-based violence cases, including alarmingly high rates of femicides in countries like Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Venezuela. Yet, amidst these challenges, feminist movements and organizations in Latin America stand out as powerful agents of positive change, resisting violence and advocating for rights and justice. This edition highlights their transformative efforts and explores how the lessons from their activism could inform peacebuilding strategies in other conflict-affected contexts.
I wish you a pleasant read.
Sanjally Jobarteh, editor of KOFF magazine